Nevus flammeus nuchae, also known as a stork bite, is a congenital capillary

Capillary

Capillaries are the smallest of a body's blood vessels and are parts of the microcirculation. They are only 1 cell thick. These microvessels, measuring 5-10 μm in diameter, connect arterioles and venules, and enable the exchange of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and many other nutrient and waste...

 malformation present in 25%-50% of newborns. It is a common type of birthmark

Birthmark

A birthmark is a benign irregularity on the skin which is present at birth or appears shortly after birth, usually in the first month. They can occur anywhere on the skin. Birthmarks are caused by overgrowth of blood vessels, melanocytes, smooth muscle, fat, fibroblasts, or...

 in a newborn and is usually temporary.

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 push 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

• Midline nevus flammeus
  Midline nevus flammeus
  Midline nevus flammeus is a vascular birthmark which may be found on the glabellar region or on one upper eyelid, and presents in approximately 15% of newborns....
  
  , also known as an angel's kiss or a salmon patch.
• Nevus flammeus, better known as a port-wine stain.
• Skin lesion