The birthmark commonly known as an Angel Kiss is a frequent and harmless finding on newborns. It is one of the most common types of vascular anomalies, often present at birth. This phenomenon is benign and does not represent a health concern. This discussion will explore the characteristics of these marks, the biological process that creates them, and their expected progression.
Defining the Appearance and Medical Terminology
The clinical term for the Angel Kiss birthmark is nevus simplex, also frequently referred to as a salmon patch. This descriptive name comes from the characteristic color, which is typically a flat, pink or reddish hue. The patches are not raised above the skin’s surface and possess indistinct, irregular borders.
These marks are most often located on the face, specifically on the eyelids, the forehead between the eyebrows (glabella), the nose, or the upper lip. Angel Kisses are a type of capillary vascular malformation, composed of a collection of small blood vessels. Pressing gently on the area often causes the mark to temporarily lighten or disappear, a phenomenon known as blanching.
Understanding the Underlying Cause
The Angel Kiss results from a minor irregularity in the development of the skin’s microvasculature. The mark is formed by tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, that are dilated or stretched wider than normal. This network of enlarged vessels lies close to the skin’s surface, allowing the color of the blood within them to show through as a pink or red patch.
The underlying mechanism is a localized delay in the maturation of certain skin cells during embryonic development. This variation affects the regulation of the dermal capillaries, leaving them permanently widened in that location. These marks are not the result of trauma or bruises, but rather a benign structural difference present from or shortly after birth.
Distinguishing Angel Kisses from Stork Bites
Both Angel Kisses and Stork Bites are forms of nevus simplex, but the common names differentiate the mark based on location and expected outcome. An Angel Kiss specifically refers to marks found on the face, such as the eyelids or forehead. These facial marks are generally temporary and have a high likelihood of fading completely.
The term Stork Bite is reserved for marks located on the back of the neck, often at the hairline, or the posterior scalp. Stork Bites have a higher rate of persistence, with approximately 50% remaining visible into adulthood. Although the underlying biological cause (dilated capillaries) is identical, the prognosis for complete fading is significantly different depending on the location.
Duration and When to Seek Medical Advice
The vast majority of Angel Kiss birthmarks are transient and require no medical intervention. For marks located on the face, spontaneous fading typically occurs within the first one to two years of life. The marks may appear more prominent or darker pink when the infant is crying, straining, or overheated. This temporary intensification is due to increased localized blood flow (vasodilation) and does not indicate that the mark is growing or worsening.
No treatment is necessary for Angel Kisses, but parents should monitor the mark as the child grows. Consultation with a pediatrician is warranted if the mark shows any significant change in texture (such as becoming raised or bumpy) or if it begins to change color dramatically. If any vascular mark is located on the lumbosacral midline (the lower back along the spine), a medical evaluation is recommended to rule out a rare association with underlying spinal abnormalities. If a facial Angel Kiss remains highly visible beyond the age of one, a dermatologist can discuss treatment options like pulsed dye laser therapy, though this is uncommon.