Stork Bite: Photos, triggers, outcomes, and additional information
In the world of newborns, one common sight is the appearance of stork bites, also known as angel kisses. These birthmarks are caused by dilated blood vessels under the skin and are typically found in common areas such as the nape of the neck, upper eyelids, forehead between the eyes, either side of the nose, and top lip [1].
Fear not, for these harmless vascular birthmarks pose no long-term physical health problems or underlying conditions [1]. They usually fade by the age of two to three years without any treatment, and they do not affect the baby's health [1].
While some parents might consider laser therapy for cosmetic reasons if the birthmark persists beyond three years, it's important to note that medical consensus, including that from Harvard Medical School, states that stork bites do not require treatment and generally do not cause discomfort or complications [1].
However, it's crucial to dispel misconceptions that link stork bites to emotional problems, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, weakened immune system, or cancer. These claims, found in non-medical anecdotal sources, lack scientific validation [1][2].
Stork bites are usually flat, and they may appear red or pink on light and dark skin, with undefined or feathery borders [1]. They may change colour slightly or become more noticeable when the baby cries or pressure is applied to the area. If a stork bite becomes larger, drastically changes colour, or becomes swollen or raised, it's advisable to contact a doctor or medical professional [1].
It's essential to understand that stork bites are different from hemangiomas, which can occur anywhere on the body and are raised and can be felt when touched [1]. While both are birthmarks caused by atypical blood vessel structures, they have different appearances and development patterns [1].
Research indicates that vascular-related birthmarks occur in around 30% of newborns, and stork bites are the most common vascular birthmarks identified in newborns [1]. In rare cases, a hemangioma can become a sore, which may develop an infection, be painful, and bleed [1].
While stork bites are usually temporary and not dangerous, some research suggests a possible connection between stork bites and the Meyerson phenomenon or alopecia areata. However, more studies are needed to confirm these links [1].
In conclusion, parents and caregivers can be reassured that stork bites are harmless vascular birthmarks with no medically recognized long-term effects [1]. They are not a sign of any infections, and treatment is not usually necessary for newborns with a stork bite. However, a dermatologist can offer a pulsed laser dye treatment for cosmetic reasons if it does not fade over time [1].
[1] Harvard Medical School. (n.d.). Stork bites and port-wine stains. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/stork-bites-and-port-wine-stains-a-to-z [2] American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Vascular birthmarks. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vascular-birthmarks [3] American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Stork bites and port-wine stains. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Stork-Bites-and-Port-Wine-Stains.aspx
If a newborn presents with stork bites, a common type of harmless vascular birthmark, parents should not worry since they don't pose any long-term physical health problems or underlying conditions. Contrary to certain misconceptions, stork bites are not linked to emotional problems, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, weakened immune system, or cancer.
