Stork bite is a common type of birth mark seen in newborns. It is usually temporary. The medical term for this condition is nevus simplex. It is also called a salmon patch.

 

stork bite

 

It occurs in about one third of all newborns.  A stork bite is the result of stretching of certain blood vessels . It may fade when pressure is put on it. It may also get darker when the child cries or temperature changes.

 

Image of stork bite 

 

What are the symptoms  ?

 

It usually looks pink. A baby may be born with it or it may appear during the first months of life. It may also be found on the forehead, eyelids, nose , upper lip or back of the neck.

 

It can be diagnosed just by looking at it.

 

What is the treatment for stork bite ?

 

 

No treatment is needed. Most stork bite on the face usually fade by 18 months. Those on the back of the neck usually doesnot go away. On the average stork bite will not last longer than 3 years. However if it persists, it may be removed by laser to improve the person’s appearance.

 

 
Content Sources

Stork bite. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001388.htm. Accessed May 16, 2016

Does my baby have a stork bite birthmark. Healthline. http://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/stork-bites. Accessed May 16, 2016

Stork bite mark. Stanford Medicine. http://newborns.stanford.edu/PhotoGallery/StorkBite1.html. Accessed May 16, 2016

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