What is a Stork Bite?

A stork bite (sometimes referred to as a “salmon patch”) is a common, harmless newborn skin condition. It typically appears as a flat, pinkish-red spot on the back of the neck, forehead and eyelids, upper lip, or between the eyebrows. Stork bites are named for the traditional belief that a visiting stork causes these marks to appear by kissing the baby.

Appearance of Stork Bites

Stork bites usually look like a pale red spot on the skin, which usually fades in color after a few weeks and can sometimes disappear altogether. They tend to become more noticeable when the baby is hot or crying. Since they are often located on the baby’s head or face, they can be a bit alarming to parents. It’s important to remember that they are completely harmless and will almost always fade with time.

Treatment of Stork Bites

Given that stork bites are a harmless skin condition, treatment is not usually necessary, and they should fade away on their own. However, if the stork bite becomes irritated, bothersome or noticeable, it may be possible to make it less noticeable. There are several treatments that may be effective, including: topical creams, cosmetic cover-ups, laser treatments or cryotherapy.

In conclusion, stork bites are a common, harmless newborn skin condition. They are typically pinkish-red spots on the neck, forehead and eyelids, upper lip, or between the eyebrows, and usually fade away on their own over time. If a stork bite becomes bothersome, there are treatments available that may be able to make it less noticeable.