Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionCausesDo They Go Away?DiagnosisTreatmentAre They a Sign?Seeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Causes
Do They Go Away?
Diagnosis
Treatment
Are They a Sign?
Seeking Medical Care
A stork bite (nevus simplex) is a type ofbirthmark. Newborns with a nevus simplex are born with a flat spot that may be red or pink and develop in different body areas. It may occur in up to 20% to 30% of newborns.
This article discusses the causes, treatment options, and possible complications of stork bites.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
How to Spot and Take Care of Your Newborn’s Rash
What Is a Stork Bite?
Stork bites (nevus simplex) are harmless (benign) birthmarks found in newborns of all races and ethnicities. They can occur in 30% to 40% of fair-skinned newborns and are less common in newborns with darker skin.They can be pink, red, or salmon-colored, are flat to the skin, and do not hurt or itch.
A nevus simplex is a vascular malformation from small blood vessels that do not fully form or close properly. These marks comprise extra blood vessels (capillaries) and may feel warm to the touch because of the additional blood flow.
About 95% of birthmarks on the face fade within the first two years of life. Treatment is generally not necessary.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023.
Port Wine Stains vs. Stork BitesAnother vascular birthmark type is a port wine stain (nevus flammeus). These birthmarks are pink, red, or purple and usually develop on the face. Like stork bites, they are made up of extra capillaries and are visible at birth.Port wine stains are different from stork bites in a few ways, including:They are usually larger than stork bites and affect several areas of the body.They do not go away on their own.They tend to grow as the child grows.They may darken and thicken over time.
Port Wine Stains vs. Stork Bites
Another vascular birthmark type is a port wine stain (nevus flammeus). These birthmarks are pink, red, or purple and usually develop on the face. Like stork bites, they are made up of extra capillaries and are visible at birth.Port wine stains are different from stork bites in a few ways, including:They are usually larger than stork bites and affect several areas of the body.They do not go away on their own.They tend to grow as the child grows.They may darken and thicken over time.
Another vascular birthmark type is a port wine stain (nevus flammeus). These birthmarks are pink, red, or purple and usually develop on the face. Like stork bites, they are made up of extra capillaries and are visible at birth.Port wine stains are different from stork bites in a few ways, including:
What Causes a Stork Bite?
Will a Stork Bite Disappear?
How Is a Stork Bite Diagnosed?
A dermatologist will likely take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam. They may use a Wood’s lamp to see parts of the skin not visible to the naked eye. This tool uses a special light and is not invasive.
Laser Treatments for Stork Bites
Talk to a dermatologist if you are concerned about your child’s birthmark. Certain birthmarks, such as port wine stains, can be treated withlaser therapy. Laser therapy can also prevent the mark from growing and darkening. Laser therapy is often recommended because port wine stains do not resolve on their own.
Are Stork Bites the Sign of Another Condition?
Stork bites are harmless birthmarks that do not mean your child has an underlying disease or health condition. This type of birthmark does not affect a child’s overall health.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Summary
A stork bite is a type of birthmark, an area on the skin that looks different than the surrounding skin. A stork bite is used for nevus simplex birthmarks that appear on the back of a newborn’s neck. Other types of nevus simplex include angel kisses (on the face) and salmon patches (on the body).
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Diociaiuti A, Paolantonio G, Zama M, et al.Vascular birthmarks as a clue for complex and syndromic vascular anomalies.Front Pediatr. 2021;9:730393. doi:10.3389/fped.2021.730393
Gomez, Jason; Admani, Shehla.Nevus simplex: A review.Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.15(2):p 84-85, 3/4 2023. doi:10.1097/JDN.0000000000000730
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Birthmarks: Signs and symptoms.
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