Stork Bites in Infants: Causes and Appearance

Spotted a pinkish or reddish patch on your newborn’s skin? It’s likely a stork bite, also known as a salmon patch - a normal, harmless birthmark that is common in newborns and usually disappears all by itself.

Even though you might notice them clearly at first, stork bites are simply a natural part of your baby’s unique look—and they usually fade as your little one grows. Carry on reading to find out what causes stork bites, how they change, and when you might want to see a doctor.

What Is a Stork Bite (Nevus Simplex) in Newborns?

A stork bite is a common birthmark that appears on newborns shortly after birth. The medical name for it is nevus simplex, but you might also hear people call it a salmon patch or an angel kiss.

These marks are typically harmless and caused by brief changes in blood flow under the skin. They’re not infectious, they don't need treatment, and nearly all of them will fade away on their own in a year or two.

Port Wine Stain vs. Stork Bite

Stork bites and port wine stains can look similar at first, but they’re actually rather different, with major differences in how long they last and what causes them.

A stork bite is a temporary birthmark, coming from those enlarged blood vessels near the skin’s surface. It looks like a soft pink or red patch and, most of the time, disappears by about age 1 or 2.

On the other hand, a port wine stain is a birthmark that doesn't fade over time. It’s caused by the irregular growth of the blood vessels under that specific area of skin, and shows up pink, light brown, or purple. They might get darker or feel thicker over time.

So, when it comes to port wine stain vs. stork bite, the simple version is this: stork bites fade away, port wine stains don’t. If you’re not sure which birthmark your child has, consult your GP or health advisor.

What do Stork Bite Birthmarks Look Like on Newborns?

Stork bite marks are generally flat with fuzzy edges, usually pink to reddish-purple, and they just fade into the rest of your little one’s skin.

Sometimes, the colour of these patches changes with what your baby is doing or how warm they are:

• They might look brighter (almost scarlet or purple) when your baby cries or overheats.

• They usually go paler or lighten for a moment if you press your finger against them, but the colour comes back right after.

What Causes Stork Bites on Newborns?

Stork bites are caused by capillary (blood vessel) malformations during fetal development, which create flat, reddish patches of skin that typically fade over time. This process is completely pain-free and isn’t a signal of any health problem.

Stork Bite Birthmark Locations

Ever heard the old tale of a stork delivering babies? The term 'stork bite' comes from the old legend that storks carry babies by the back of the neck, a spot where these birthmarks often appear. Of course, the story is pure fiction, but these marks themselves are very common and completely harmless.

Your newborn might have a stork bite in a couple of common spots, like:

• On the back of the neck. Where you can often spot them hiding under your baby’s hair.

• On the forehead. Usually in the middle or right at the hairline.

• On the eyelid. Light pink or brownish areas, sometimes looking darker if your baby is upset or warm.

Again, these patches won’t hurt or bother your baby, and they usually fade away. If you’re worried about how they look or how long they’ve stuck around, your baby’s GP or health advisor can give extra advice.

Do Stork Bites Go Away?

Most stork bites tend to fade during your baby’s first few months; however, marks on the forehead may take up to four years to disappear. Patches on the back of the neck can also last longer.

Check in with your baby's GP if the stork mark is located in an atypical area and/or if it doesn’t fade within a couple of years. In this case, it may not actually be a stork bite, but another type of birthmark.

How Stork Bites Change Over Time

Many parents wonder how stork bites shift as their child grows. There’s no one answer, as every baby is unique, but generally, these marks fade over time and are all but gone by the age of two.

It's common for stork marks on the eyelids or forehead to fade faster than those on the head or back of the neck.

Right after birth, you’ll see a pink or reddish-purple patch that stands out from your baby’s natural skin tone. But these patches fade bit by bit and might totally vanish within a couple of years. Sometimes, you might notice the patch briefly gets brighter when your baby is crying.

If you ever have any concerns about the appearance of your baby's stork bite mark, or how it changes over time, consult their GP or health advisor.

The Bottom Line

Stork bites are common and harmless birthmarks. While they can look quite bold when your baby is born, most of them just fade away in the first one or two years of life. If you’re ever unsure, consult your baby's health advisor or GP when you’re in for your next check-up.

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