1. Known by Any Other Name, It's Still The Same
The salmon patch got its name for the coloring it makes on the baby's skin. Also known as a "stork bite" or "angel kiss," they all refer to the pink patches of skin that some babies are born with. The medical community says "nevus simplex" when they are referring to a salmon patch, but it means the same thing. If your baby has any unusual markings, ask your pediatrician if they are a salmon patch and they should know what you mean.
2. Cause is no Cause for Concern
The cause of a salmon patch is simply the dilation of certain blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. The blood vessels stretch or were stretched and have now left a little flat pink patch. Nearly one third of all newborns have a salmon patch, and most fade during their first year of life.
3. Symptoms Aren't Much to Note
A salmon patch is easy to diagnose; no invasive tests or painful blood draws are required. The doctor simply looks at the birthmark, analyzes it for any other causes and makes a diagnosis. The symptoms are a flat pink sometimes irregular shaped mark appearing anywhere on the baby's body, but more often found on the head, eyes, upper lip, eyelids or on the back of the baby's neck. This patch may appear darker if the baby cries or the temperature of the room changes. It also may lighten or fade with slight pressure.
4. The After Birth Birthmark
The salmon patch is one of those birthmarks that may not be present at birth. It may take up to three months to appear. Most salmon patches fade by the time your little one is 18 months old. The ones that fade are generally the ones that appear on the face and head. While sometimes the ones that appear on the back of the neck do not fade, they are generally less bothersome than the ones that appear on the face.
5. No Removal Necessary
While a salmon patch should be examined during a well baby visit, the prognosis for these types of birthmarks is good. No increased risk of medical complications have been noted and since they fade in a timely manner, social complications are not an issue either. If your child's salmon patch has not faded by their third birthday, laser surgery may be indicated, but only if removal is requested by parent or suggested by the doctor.
