Pregnancy Tips: What are Stork Bites?

When you see an image of a lithe, long-legged bird in flight with a white cloth bundle in its beak, your mind immediately conjures the image of a baby. The myth of the stork is a global phenomenon, appearing in folklore as far back as antiquity. We tend to imagine the graceful birds as tender caretakers, delivering precious bundles to expectant parents.

With that in mind, it might be confusing to hear the term "stork bites" in conjunction with newborn babies.

Stork bites have nothing to do with actual storks. They are one of several types of birthmarks commonly seen in newborn babies. In fact, doctors suggest that up to one-third of all infants are born with a stork bite.

We understand that any mark on your sweet baby is a cause for concern, but we assure you that a stork bite is a harmless, incredibly common phenomenon. Read on to learn how to spot a stork bite and what to do if you find one.

What Are Stork Bites?

Stork bites have many names. Some people call them salmon patches or angel kisses. The scientific name is nevus simplex.

In essence, a stork bite is a flat, pink birthmark made up of capillaries under the baby's skin. It commonly appears on the baby's face, head, or neck. Stork bites on the face often disappear before the baby's second birthday.

Occasionally, stork bites linger. It's common for hair to grow over them, rendering them virtually invisible. Stork bites in the neck area are the least likely to vanish by themselves.

If your baby is born with a stork bite, know that this mark is entirely harmless. There are no stork bite symptoms associated with the phenomenon.

What Causes a Stork Bite?

Unlike many skin conditions, stork bites are painless and entirely aesthetic. There is no underlying medical issue or concern associated with these birthmarks. Up to 80% of all healthy infants are born with some kind of birthmark, and nearly all of them result from natural occurrences in the womb.

Stork bites result from stretched blood vessels beneath your baby's delicate newborn skin. When this happens to capillaries on the upper layers of skin, they become visible. The blood flowing through these blood vessels causes the pink coloration.

The birthmark may be more prominent or prevalent in babies with paler skin tones. If you gently press on the area, the birthmark may temporarily appear lighter.

Stork bites sometimes darken if there is a sudden temperature change. They may also change color slightly when your baby cries or strains to defecate. This change occurs when more blood flows through that area and is visible through the dilated blood vessels.

Stork Bites Treatment: Do They Go Away?

Most stork bites go away naturally without any treatment or intervention. On average, you can expect stork bites on the face to fade when your baby is between eighteen months and two years old. Stork bites on the head and neck often become covered by hair.

In some cases, stork bites can take longer to fade. Marks on your baby's neck tend to take the longest. If your baby's birthmark remains beyond the age of two, it may be there for life.

Unlike some birthmarks, stork bites do not grow with your child and should not change color over time.

While stork bites are always painless, some can make some children self-conscious as they age. Once your child is old enough to express a preference, you may choose to seek medical intervention. A pediatric dermatologist can perform a cosmetic laser procedure to reduce or eliminate the appearance of the birthmark.

Laser Removal for Birthmark Treatment

A pediatric dermatologist may use a diode laser to destroy the visible capillaries under your child's skin.

The doctor will expose your child's skin to an intense UVB light at a wavelength of 585 nm. At this wavelength, the light converts to heat. It destroys the blood vessels without damaging your child's skin.

Laser removal is an outpatient procedure and takes only a few minutes from beginning to end. The doctor may ask your child to wear sunscreen daily for approximately one month before their treatment, as tanned skin makes the procedure less effective.

On the day of the procedure, your child will not need any anesthesia. The doctor typically administers a cold spray before using the laser, numbing the area and preventing pain.

Stork bites tend to be simple to remove. Your child will most likely only need one laser treatment to see results, but some children may require up to three treatments to eliminate the birthmark entirely.

Be aware that treatment can occasionally cause bruising in the birthmark area for three to ten days. There is rarely any scarring. You will need to treat the area with a medicated ointment for a few days following the procedure.  

Fall In Love With Your Unique Baby

Your newborn baby is a unique individual, from its tiny toes to its perfect nose. Stork bites are simply one more feature that makes your precious little one uniquely themselves. Instead of worrying, enjoy this remarkable phenomenon while it lasts.

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