When your little one was born, did you get scared when you saw pink or red spots all over their body? It's normal for a parent to feel a little scared when they see a spot like this, especially on their forehead, above their eyelids, or behind their neck. But don't worry, most of the time this could be a condition that we medically call `(nevus simplex)`, but affectionately call it ``Stork Bite''.
What exactly is a "Stork Bite"?
Simply put, a "Stork Bite" is a harmless, pink, red, or sometimes purple spot that appears on the skin of newborn babies. These are a type of birthmark. This is where the tiny blood vessels under the baby's skin become slightly enlarged, exposing the inside of the baby's very thin skin.
This is not only called "Stork Bite", but also called "salmon patch" or "angel kiss". When you hear these names, you understand that this is not dangerous, right? This is very common. Many babies are born with these spots.
What exactly do these spots look like?
There are several characteristics that can distinguish these spots from other birthmarks. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Flatness | These spots are not raised above the skin. They are completely level with the skin. They do not feel like any lumps when touched. |
| Color | It can range from light pink to reddish-purple. It appears as a different color than the baby's skin color. |
| Shape | This doesn't have a specific round or square shape. It has a different, ill-defined, feather-like shape. |
There's another thing. When a baby cries, has a fever, or is very hot, these spots turn a little darker and become more visible. The reason for this is that blood flow to those blood vessels increases at that time. Also, if you press your finger on the spot and release it, you can see that it turns white for a few seconds and then returns to its original color .
Where on the baby's body can these be seen?
Stork bites are most commonly seen in a few specific places.
- Back of the neck: Above the neck, like at the edge where the hair begins.
- Forehead: Between the eyebrows.
- Upper eyelid: The upper eyelid of one or both eyes.
In addition to these areas, very rarely, these spots can also be seen on the baby's scalp or lower back.
Why do spots like this form? What is the cause?
The reason for this is very simple. As the baby grows in the womb, some of the tiny blood vessels (we call these ``capillaries``) under the skin become slightly dilated, or stretched. These blood vessels are very close to the skin. Since the skin of a newborn baby is very thin and delicate, when these dilated blood vessels fill with too much blood, it appears on the surface of the skin as a pink or red spot.
Remember, this is not because of anything you did wrong or said during pregnancy. This is a very normal part of your baby's development.
Could this be a symptom of another disease?
No. In most cases, 99.9% of cases, Stork bites are not a sign of any other medical condition. They are simply harmless, cosmetic birthmarks.
However, very rarely, that is, about one in a thousand, if this spot is present along with other physical changes, it could be a sign of a rare condition such as `(Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome)`. But there are many other symptoms that need to be present. Also, if a spot like this on the baby's lower back is accompanied by other suspicious symptoms, your doctor may want to investigate it further. But remember that these are very rare cases.
Do Stork Bites Need Treatment?
Absolutely not. Since these spots are harmless and do not cause any pain or discomfort to the baby, no treatment is required.
Most of the time, as the baby grows, the spots, especially on the face, will fade on their own within a year or two. Sometimes it can take even longer. However, the spots on the back of the neck may not fade completely, and may remain barely visible until adulthood. Since they are covered by hair, they are often not even visible.
However, if you feel that this mole is an issue with your appearance after your child grows up, you can visit a dermatologist and have the mole lightened or completely removed with treatments such as laser treatments.
When should we see a doctor?
A stork bite is usually nothing to worry about. However, if you notice any of the following changes, it's a good idea to be a little concerned and show your child to their doctor (pediatrician).
| Change to note | What to do? |
|---|---|
| If the spot gets bigger | If the spot seems to be spreading and getting bigger over time. |
| If the color changes | If the color of the spot becomes darker or feels like it is turning a different color. |
| If it is itchy/swelling | If the spot, which was initially flat, later becomes raised or swollen above the skin (stork bites are always flat). |
| Confusion with other birthmarks | Sometimes these can be confused with other birthmarks, such as ``port wine stains.'' So if in doubt, it's best to see a doctor to confirm. |
How did this get the name "Stork Bite"?
There is a very interesting story about this. In the past, in Western folklore, it was said that babies were brought to homes by a large stork called a "Stork." The story said that this stork would carefully hold the baby by the back of the neck with its beak and bring it to the mother.
So, when people saw this red spot on the back of a newborn baby's neck, they would jokingly say, "Oh... that's where the stork touched the baby with its beak when it was delivered." That's how the name "Stork Bite" came about. Similarly, spots on the forehead or eyelids are called "Angel Kisses," thinking that they were kisses from an angel to lull the baby to sleep. These are very sweet stories, aren't they?
So, don't worry or feel bad if your baby has a spot like this on their body. It's just a small, special mark your baby has. It doesn't harm them in any way, and it will fade over time.
Take-Home Message
- "Stork Bite" is a very common, harmless type of birthmark among newborns.
- These are caused by the dilation of small blood vessels under the skin. This is not a medical condition.
- It is normal for these spots to temporarily darken when the baby cries or is overheated.
- Freckles on the face often fade on their own within a year or two. Freckles on the back of the neck can sometimes last longer.
- No treatment is required for this.
- Only see your doctor if you notice any unusual changes, such as swelling, enlargement, or peeling of the spot.
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