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What is nevus simplex?
Nevus simplex is better known as stork bite (when on nape), angel kiss (when between the eyes), or salmon patch (when on other areas such as over eyelids, under the nose, top of the head or lower back). It is a pink to red birthmark of unknown cause. When your baby gets upset this birthmark may temporary turn dark red. Nevus simplex is very common birthmark since 1 out of 5 babies are born with it, or will develop it shortly after the birth. It usually disappears within 2 years, except those on the nape, which may never go away on their own. Nevus simplex usually gets confused with port wine stains and hemangiomas.
What is the cause of my baby’s nevus simplex?
The cause of nevus simplex is unknown.
Should I take my baby to a health care provider?
It is always wise to see your baby’s health care provider for an initial exam and for a correct diagnosis, since this birthmark usually gets confused with port wine stains and hemangiomas.
Is nevus simplex painful to my baby?
 Nevus simplex is not painful, and it almost never gets complications, while port wine stains and hemangiomas sometimes can develop complications.
My baby has nevus simplex, so what is the treatment?
In the vast majority of cases not any treatment is needed, since it usually disappears within 2 years, except those on the nape, which may never go away on their own. If they do not disappear within first 3 years then pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy can be considered. Your child may need several treatments over several months to make nevus simplex less visible. Smaller children may need general anesthesia, if the area is large. Older children may not need any anesthesia, or may need just numbing cream applied over the treatment area about 30 minutes to 2 hours before the laser treatment. Â