The Bottom Line

Salmon patches are the most common birthmarks in newborns, appearing in 30–40% of all babies. The pink patches on the face ("angel kisses") and the back of the neck ("stork bites") are completely harmless. Most fade on their own within 1–2 years. No treatment is needed. They are not the same as port-wine stains and will not stay permanently in most cases.

What Are Salmon Patches?

Salmon patches are flat, light pink to salmon-colored skin patches that are present at birth. They are caused by small, dilated (widened) blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface. As your baby's vascular system matures and gains better control over blood flow, the patches gradually fade.

They are the most common type of birthmark, appearing in 30–40% of newborns. They are equally common in boys and girls.

They go by several affectionate names:

  • Angel kisses — patches on the upper eyelids, forehead, and face
  • Stork bites — patches on the nape (back) of the neck and sacral area (lower back)

What Do They Look Like?

  • Flat (not raised), with soft, poorly defined borders
  • Light pink to salmon-red in color
  • Turn white or lighter when you press on them (called "blanching") — this is a key feature
  • May become temporarily brighter or darker when your baby cries, gets hot, or strains
  • Facial patches are most noticeable; neck patches may be hidden under hair

Are They Different from Port-Wine Stains?

Yes, and this difference matters. Port-wine stains are a different type of birthmark that looks similar at first but behaves very differently:

  • Salmon patches — blanch completely with pressure, lighter in color (pink/salmon), and fade on their own
  • Port-wine stains — do not blanch completely, often deeper red or purple in color, do NOT fade on their own, and may darken or thicken over time

If you are ever unsure which type of birthmark your baby has, a doctor or dermatologist can tell the difference quickly by pressing on the patch to check blanching.

Do They Go Away?

For most babies, yes:

  • Facial patches (angel kisses) — typically fade within 18–24 months and usually disappear completely
  • Neck patches (stork bites) — fade more slowly; some persist into childhood or adulthood, but this is harmless. They are usually hidden by hair.

The fading happens naturally as your baby's blood vessel control matures. No creams, medicines, or procedures are needed to make them go away.

Are They Dangerous?

No. Salmon patches are entirely benign. They are not connected to any underlying health condition. They do not affect circulation, nerve function, or your child's development in any way.

Treatment Options

Treatment is almost never needed, because:

  • Most patches fade on their own
  • They cause no health problems
  • No medicine or procedure is proven to speed up their disappearance

In rare cases where a facial patch persists beyond 2–3 years without fading and causes significant cosmetic concern, a dermatologist may discuss pulsed dye laser treatment as an option. This is uncommon and generally not considered until after the patch has had ample time to fade naturally.

When to See a Dermatologist

  • You are unsure whether the patch is a salmon patch or a port-wine stain
  • The patch is growing, darkening, or thickening rather than fading
  • The patch does not blanch completely when pressed
  • The patch is on the forehead and extends onto the eyelid (port-wine stains in this location are associated with a condition called Sturge-Weber syndrome — your doctor will advise)
  • The patch has not shown any fading by 2–3 years of age and is causing cosmetic concern

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the patch look brighter when my baby cries?

Salmon patches are simply dilated blood vessels. When your baby cries, holds their breath, or strains, more blood flows to the skin surface, making the patch appear temporarily brighter or more red. This is completely normal and not a sign that anything is wrong. The patch will return to its usual appearance once your baby calms down.

Could this be related to something my baby will always have?

For the vast majority of babies, salmon patches fade completely and are a temporary newborn feature. Port-wine stains, which are permanent, look different (darker, do not blanch). If your child's patch has not faded by age 3 and is on the neck, it may persist but is still harmless. Your child's doctor can reassure you at routine checkups.

Did I do something to cause this?

No. Salmon patches have nothing to do with anything you did or did not do during pregnancy. They are a normal variation in newborn skin caused by immature blood vessel development. They are not caused by any medication, diet, or event during pregnancy.

Are these hereditary?

Salmon patches are so common (30–40% of newborns) that they are considered a normal variant rather than a genetic condition. They are not specifically inherited, though it is common for parents to notice that their baby has the same patch in the same place they had as a newborn.

References

  1. Jacobs AH, Walton RG. The incidence of birthmarks in the neonate. Pediatrics. 1976;58(2):218–222.
  2. Leung AKC, et al. Salmon patches in children. Pediatrics and Child Health. 1998.
  3. Eichenfield LF, et al. Neonatal and Infant Dermatology. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2015.
  4. American Academy of Dermatology. Birthmarks: vascular. aad.org.

Trusted Resources

Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or your child's pediatrician for personal medical advice about your child's skin condition.