Contents
Introduction
As a new parent, it’s natural to worry about every little mark on your baby’s skin. One common skin condition that affects many newborns is stork bites. Also known as angel kisses, these harmless birthmarks can appear on your baby’s face, neck, or upper body. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at stork bites and provide pictures to help you identify them.
What are Stork Bites?
Stork bites are a type of birthmark that appear as pink or red patches on a baby’s skin. They are caused by dilated blood vessels and are more common in fair-skinned babies. Stork bites are usually present at birth and may fade or disappear over time. They are not harmful and do not require treatment.
Where Do Stork Bites Appear?
Stork bites are most commonly found on a baby’s forehead, eyelids, nose, upper lip, or back of the neck. They may also appear on the upper back or shoulders. These birthmarks are often more noticeable when a baby is crying or upset.
How to Identify Stork Bites
Stork bites are usually easy to identify. They appear as flat or slightly raised patches of pink or red skin. They may be small or cover a larger area of skin. Stork bites on the face often appear as small dots or clusters, while those on the neck or back may be larger and more irregular in shape.
Are Stork Bites Harmful?
Stork bites are completely harmless and do not require treatment. They are not painful or itchy and do not cause any health problems. Stork bites may fade or disappear over time, but they may also be present throughout a child’s life.
How to Care for Stork Bites
Stork bites do not require any special care. You can clean your baby’s skin as you normally would, and there is no need to apply any ointments or creams. If your baby’s stork bite is located in a diaper area, be sure to keep the area clean and dry to prevent diaper rash.
When to See a Doctor
Stork bites are usually nothing to worry about, but there are some cases where you should see a doctor. If a stork bite is located near the eye or mouth, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. You should also see a doctor if a stork bite is growing or changing in shape or color.
How to Differentiate Between Stork Bites and Other Birthmarks
Stork bites are just one type of birthmark that may appear on your baby’s skin. Other common types include port-wine stains, strawberry hemangiomas, and Mongolian spots. Stork bites are usually lighter in color and less raised than other birthmarks. If you are unsure about a mark on your baby’s skin, it’s always best to check with your doctor.
How to Explain Stork Bites to Others
It’s common for friends and family members to ask about marks on a baby’s skin. If someone asks about your baby’s stork bite, you can simply explain that it’s a harmless birthmark caused by dilated blood vessels. You can also reassure them that stork bites do not require any treatment.
Conclusion
Stork bites are a common and harmless skin condition that affects many newborns. They appear as pink or red patches on a baby’s skin and may be present at birth. Stork bites do not require any special care and usually fade or disappear over time. If you are unsure about a mark on your baby’s skin, it’s always best to check with your doctor.