“Angel Kisses” is a term for a benign birthmark medically known as Nevus Simplex, or sometimes a Salmon Patch, due to its characteristic color. It is the most frequent type of vascular birthmark, appearing in up to 40% of all newborns. Nevus Simplex is completely harmless, non-contagious, and does not require active medical treatment.
How These Marks Form and What They Look Like
Nevus Simplex forms because tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, near the surface of the skin remain slightly dilated from fetal development. These marks appear as flat, irregularly shaped patches of discoloration, typically colored pink, light red, or a salmon shade. The marks are smooth to the touch, distinguishing them from other types of birthmarks like hemangiomas.
The visibility of the birthmark is directly linked to the baby’s circulatory changes and emotional state. When a baby is crying, straining during a bowel movement, or overheated, increased blood flow makes the patches appear much darker and more noticeable. If gentle pressure is applied to the mark, the color will temporarily fade, which is a key diagnostic feature indicating the mark is vascular. This temporary darkening merely reflects the temporary increase in blood pressure.
Location Determines the Common Name
The specific location of the Nevus Simplex dictates whether it is referred to as an “Angel Kiss” or a “Stork Bite.” Marks appearing on the baby’s face—specifically the eyelids, forehead, bridge of the nose, or upper lip—are commonly called Angel Kisses, suggesting a gentle touch.
The exact same type of birthmark found on the back of the neck, the nape, or the lower scalp is traditionally called a Stork Bite. This name originates from the folklore that a stork carries a baby by the neck. Both names are regional descriptions for the Nevus Simplex birthmark.
When Do Angel Kisses Fade?
The prognosis for Nevus Simplex is positive, with the vast majority fading completely without intervention. Angel Kisses (facial marks) generally fade between the first year and 18 months of life, though some may persist until the child is three years old. As the baby grows, the skin naturally thickens, masking the appearance of the dilated capillaries.
Stork Bites (marks on the back of the neck) often take longer to fade and sometimes remain subtly visible into adulthood. These marks are typically covered by the child’s hair and are not considered a cosmetic concern. Parents should consult their pediatrician if a birthmark is raised, bumpy, changes color, or begins to grow rapidly, as these features may suggest a different type of birthmark, such as an infantile hemangioma, which requires monitoring.