Nevus flammeus nuchae

Naevus flammeus nuchae
Classification and external resources
OMIM 163100

Naevus flammeus nuchae, often called stork bites, is a congenital capillary malformation present in 25–50% of newborns.[1] It is a common type of birthmark in a newborn and is usually temporary.[2]

Causes

Stork bites occur in about one third of all newborns. A stork bite is due to a stretching (dilation) of certain blood vessels. It may become darker when the child cries or room temperature changes. It may fade when you gently press on it.

Symptoms

A stork bite usually looks pink and flat. A baby may be born with a stork bite, or the birthmark may appear in the first months of life. Stork bites may be found on the forehead, eyelids, nose, upper lip, or back of the neck. The skin is not thickened and feels no different from anywhere else on the body; the only difference is in appearance.

Exams and tests

A doctor can diagnose a stork bite with a simple visual inspection. No tests are needed.

Treatment

No treatment is needed. If a stork bite lasts longer than 3 years, it may be removed using laser surgery to change the person's appearance.

Outlook (prognosis)

Most stork bites on the face go away completely in about 18 months. Stork bites on the back of the neck usually do not go away.

See also

References

  1. http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=304&id=1589
  2. James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 169. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.