Stork bite - and what the stork has to do with the fire!
First of all, the all-clear: the skin lesion called stork bite is a common, but mainly benign phenomenon. Over 50% of newborns are born with it. The formation cannot be prevented, for example, by a certain behavior during pregnancy.
The usually sharply defined and bizarrely shaped, red to blue-red spots are caused by the dilation of small skin vessels and this probably already in the early development of the child.
They are often found on the forehead, neck, root of the nose and, more rarely, on the eyelids. It gets its name from the typical localization on the face and neck. Since it usually does not increase in size during its course and disappears on its own, no treatment is necessary.
Even though the terms stork bite and port-wine stain are often used synonymously, there are some subtle differences.
A "real" port-wine stain is found in only 0.5% of newborns. It has the same cause and the port-wine stain is usually harmless, but it can appear all over the body. In addition, it grows with the child and can become more intensely discolored.
While the stork bite is an isolated phenomenon, port-wine stains can occur as a symptom of rare hereditary diseases and therefore your pediatrician will take a close look.
Due to the strong growth and the psychosocial stress that may accompany it, laser therapy is recommended in early childhood.
The next article will deal with another exciting skin change, the so-called hemangioma.
Until then, I wish you a wonderful start into the fall.
Your Sharon
PS. If you like, check out KinderHelden - we offer training for children's emergencies.
