Stork bite

• Alternative Names

  Salmon patch; Nevus flammeus

• Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  Stork bites occur in about one third of all newborns.

  A stork bite is due to a stretching (dilation) of certain blood vessels. It may become darker when the child cries or room temperature changes. It may fade when you push on it.

• Symptoms

  A stork bite usually looks pink and flat. A baby may be born with a stork bite, or the birthmark may appear in the first months of life. Stork bites may be found on the forehead, eyelids, nose, upper lip, or back of the neck.

• Signs and tests

  A doctor can diagnose a stork bite simply by looking at. No tests are needed.

• Treatment

  No treatment is needed. If a stork bite lasts longer than 3 years, it may be removed with a laser to improve the person's appearance.

• Expectations (prognosis)

  Most stork bites on the face go away completely in about 18 months. Stork bites on the back of the neck usually do not go away.

• Complications

  There are usually no complications.

• Calling your health care provider

  All birthmarks should be examined by the health care provider during a routine well-baby examination.

• Prevention

  There is no known prevention.

• References

  Habif TP. Vascular tumors and malformations. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2004:chap 23.

Review Date: 6/2/2009

Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.