Salmon patch (including stork bite)

A salmon patch is a common, sporadic, capillary malformation affecting almost 50% of neonates. It presents at birth as a pink or red patch and is most often observed on the nape of the neck, eyelid, or glabella.

This chapter is set out as follows:

• They are caused by dilatations (expansions) of capillaries, which, unlike Port-wine stains, may improve with time

• Present at birth 

Distribution

• Commonly found on the nape of neck (stork bite), the glabella (angel's kiss) and the eyelids

Morphology

• Irregular, dull pink-red patch - lesions should not be palpable 

• Lesions on the face often resolve in the first year of life. 50% of stork bites persist into adult life

• No treatment is needed