“Salmon patches” or “Stork bites”
Understanding Salmon Patches
Salmon patches, also known as “stork bites” or “angel kisses,” are common birthmarks that appear as flat, pink or reddish areas on a newborn’s skin. They typically occur on the forehead, eyelids, nose, or the back of the neck and are caused by dilated capillaries close to the skin’s surface. These marks are harmless and often fade naturally within the first few years of life.
“Salmon patches” and “stork bites” are both terms used to describe common types of birthmarks found in newborns. These birthmarks are typically benign and often fade or disappear as the child grows older.
- Salmon patches (nevus simplex): Salmon patches are flat, pink or red patches of discoloration that are present at birth or appear shortly thereafter. They are caused by dilated blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. Salmon patches can occur on various parts of the body but are most commonly found on the back of the neck (“angel kisses”) or between the eyebrows (“glabellar hemangioma”). They are typically not raised or palpable and usually fade within the first year of life, although some may persist into adulthood.
- Stork bites (nevus flammeus): Stork bites are another type of birthmark characterized by flat, pink or red patches of discoloration. They are caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels in the skin. Stork bites are often found on the nape of the neck (“nuchal salmon patch”) or on the upper eyelids (“eyelid hemangioma”). They are so named because they were traditionally believed to be caused by the “stork” delivering the baby and leaving a mark. Like salmon patches, stork bites usually fade over time, although those on the nape of the neck may persist into adulthood.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
At Signature Dermatology in Fort Worth, our dermatologists evaluate your child’s skin to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other vascular birthmarks. Most salmon patches require no treatment, but we closely monitor their progress to ensure healthy skin development.
Treatment and Care
In rare cases where patches persist beyond early childhood, laser therapy may help reduce visible redness. Our gentle, patient-centered approach ensures your child’s comfort while achieving natural, healthy-looking skin.
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Signature Dermatology
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