Angel Kiss Birthmark

All parents want their babies to be born perfect, so it may upset them to find that their child has an angel kiss birthmark. However, this is not a cause for alarm. This birthmark, which usually presents itself as a flat red or salmon-hued patch with jagged edges, is very common and does not cause harm to the child. In fact, it can be present in the majority of newborn babies.

This birthmark is usually limited to three locations on the body:

• The back of the neck
• In between the eyebrows
• Adjacent to the mouth or nose

Angel kiss birthmarks are known as vascular birthmarks since they are caused by red blood vessels. They are also referred to as salmon spots. An angel kiss birthmark on the back of the neck is often called a stork bite. Another name a parent may hear a doctor use is macular stain.

This birthmark is actually blood vessels, more specifically capillaries, showing through the baby’s skin. During development, all babies have these blood vessels present near the skin. The vessels causing the birth mark are simply ones that remained longer than needed for one reason or another. Since blood vessels cause it, the birthmark can appear to get darker when there is greater blood flow to the region, such as when the baby is fussy or upset. This does not mean it will remain that color.

There is nothing a parent can do to prevent his or her child from getting this birthmark, nor can it be diagnosed before the child is born.

As development continues outside of the womb, most babies lose the birthmark on their face within their first year of life. There are a few that will retain the birthmarks for a longer period.

Stork bites are more likely to last into adulthood. Even when the birthmark remains, there is very little chance that it will become darker over time, like is possible with a port wine stain. The faint red or pink color is usually not very noticeable and parents need not worry about the social impact.

Parents who notice birthmarks on their babies should have a doctor look at them to ensure that they are not harmful. They should not try to diagnose them themselves. Since the angel kiss is so common, most any pediatrician should be able to diagnose it right away during a well baby visit without having to do a biopsy or any other type of test.

No treatment is required to remove the birthmark when the child is a baby or infant. It’s best to wait since it is very likely that it will disappear on its own. Those who have a birthmark on their neck that remains can usually cover it with their hair. These birthmarks are harmless and do not cause pain, allergic reactions or increased skin cancer risk.

If an adult has a stork bite that is very bothersome, he or she should consult a dermatologist about ways to fade it or remove it. The most common removal option is laser treatment.

For more information, check out the following sites on the Web:

• Dr. Greene Guide – This site gives more details on symptoms diagnosis and treatment from a professor of pediatrics.
• DermNet NZ – This site is a good resource for images of the birthmark. It is put together by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated.
• Medline Plus – This site offers more information on stork bites, provided by Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD.

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