Introduction:
A “stork bite” or “nevus simplex” is the most common vascular anomaly seen in 40 percent of newborns. Birthmarks are areas of skin discoloration or raised skin surfaces present at birth. These birthmarks are formed due to abnormal pigment cells or dilated capillaries, which constitute the remnants of fetal circulation. They may be seen on the face, upper lips, back of the neck, and eyelids.
Why Is It Called a Stork Bite?
Stork bite refers to clusters of blood vessels seen in the body, especially at the back of the neck. The name comes from the myth that storks are used to deliver the baby to their parents, and the mark is due to the bird carrying the baby at the back of the neck. They are area-specific, particularly at the back of the neck. They appear as small pink to red patches or marks on the skin with ill-defined borders. The stork bite can change its color, and it is normal. It is more visible when the baby cries or gets warm, and it gets pale when finger pressure is applied to that area.
What are Other Names for a Stork Bite?
Birthmarks have different names based on their location.
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A birthmark on the back of the neck is called a stork bite birthmark.
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When located on the face, between the eyes, it's called an angel's kiss or salmon patch.
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Erythema nucha describes a vascular lesion seen at the nape of the neck and base of the skull.
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A stork bite on the forehead is a common birthmark caused by the dilation of small blood vessels. It appears as a prominent pink or red patch and often fades naturally by the age of one or two. The term "stork bite on the forehead" refers to this specific occurrence of a stork bite.
What Causes Stork Bite?
A stork bite is due to the dilatation (stretching) of the blood vessels. This process of blood vessel stretching does not cause any harm to the baby and fades away over time.
What Are the Other Conditions That Look Similar to a Stork Bite?
Conditions that resemble the stork bite are:
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Stork Bites and Hemangiomas : Stork bites and hemangiomas are distinct conditions in infants. Stork bites manifest as flat, pink, or red patches often found on the back of the neck, forehead, or between the eyes, typically resolving by age one or two. In contrast, hemangiomas present as raised, red, or purple lumps that undergo rapid initial growth before later shrinking. These differences enable an accurate distinction between the two conditions.
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Strawberry Hemangioma: The condition got its name as it causes a birthmark that looks like a strawberry. They develop several weeks after delivery anywhere in the body, most commonly in the face or head. Studies show that they may occur in one in ten newborns. Unlike stork bite, the strawberry hemangioma might take ten years to resolve.
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Cavernous Hemangioma: They are similar to strawberry hemangioma but deeper and look like a spongy red area of blood. These lesions more commonly develop in the brain or spine. Most probably, they do not cause any symptoms; however, they may bleed easily and result in seizures, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness.
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Port-Wine Stains or Flat Hemangioma: They are formed due to expanded tiny blood vessels on the face. These birthmarks appear pink and may change in color and size over age. Like a stork bite, the port wine stains do not cause harm. In addition, they are associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome.
What Are the Types of Birthmarks?
Birthmarks are categorized into two types:
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Red Birthmarks: Red birthmarks are skin markings caused by blood vessels very close to the skin. They may develop soon after birth or even before birth. They are also called vascular birthmarks. Hemangiomas are the most common type of vascular birthmark, and their color is due to the blood cells at sight.
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Pigmented Birthmarks: The color of the birthmark present is different from the rest of the skin tone. They appear flat or raised, with regular or irregular borders. The most common types of pigmented birthmarks include:
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Moles.
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Mongolian spots.
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Cafe-au-lait spots.
Are Stork Bites Permanent?
Generally, birthmarks are temporary, and they fade away over time. The angel's kiss and the salmon patch appearing on the face disappear when the child turns one or two. The stork bite on the neck may be more persistent until adulthood. Stork bites are just birthmarks, and they are completely normal. These are not signs of any underlying medical conditions in the child.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Birthmarks are generally harmless and fade away when the child becomes a toddler. However, few conditions require a doctor's examination.
They are:
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When the stork bite gets elevated or swollen.
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Larger birthmarks on the face, head, or neck.
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Located in the middle of the back along the spine region, this may correspond to a spinal cord problem.
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Interfering with the baby’s activity.
Does a Stork’s Bite Impact a Child's Health?
Stork bites, also known as salmon patches, are typically harmless and pose no threat to a child's health. These common vascular birthmarks result from dilating blood vessels near the skin's surface. Temporary in nature, stork bites naturally fade as the child grows and generally do not necessitate medical treatment. Considered a normal aspect of infant skin development, stork bites are part of the usual spectrum of birthmarks.
How to Diagnose and Treat Stork Bite?
The doctor diagnoses a stork bite clinically, and it does not require any special tests for evaluation. As soon as the child is delivered, the doctor makes a physical examination, and birthmarks like the stork bite and salmon patch are identified.
As the birthmarks are harmless, they do not require any treatment. If the birthmarks do not fade away even after adulthood, and if it is a matter of cosmetic concern, they fade out using laser treatment. This helps to lighten or remove the marks completely.
Can Birthmarks Be Prevented?
Birthmarks cannot be prevented from occurring. They are a normal occurrence, and their presence does not cause any harm to the baby.
Conclusion:
Any abnormal changes in the newborn may bring about fear in parents or caretakers. However, it is essential to know that stork bites are common dermatological or vascular anomalies seen in newborns, which are harmless, and parents need not panic about this condition in their babies. They fade away by two years or when the baby becomes a toddler. However, it is crucial to consult a pediatrician for proper diagnosis of such anomalies and to decide on treatment.
