An “Angel Kiss” is a common, affectionate term for a type of birthmark appearing on a newborn’s face. It is a harmless discoloration that many babies are born with and is not a sign of any underlying health issue. This nickname describes a mark often found on the eyelids, forehead, or between the eyebrows, suggesting an angel left a gentle touch.
The Medical Explanation: Nevus Simplex
The formal medical name for an Angel Kiss is nevus simplex, which simply means “simple mole” in Latin. It is one of the most common types of birthmarks, appearing in an estimated 30 to 80 percent of all newborns. The mark is a capillary vascular malformation, involving tiny, superficial blood vessels just beneath the skin. The appearance results from these capillaries being dilated, or wider than normal, making them visible through the baby’s thin skin. This is a developmental phenomenon occurring during embryonic development. Because the vessels are close to the surface, the light pink or red color is prominent. Since nevus simplex is a static malformation and not a growth, it poses no health risk.
Common Locations and Appearance (Including Stork Bites)
Nevus simplex birthmarks are typically flat, smooth patches appearing in shades of pink, red, or salmon. They have indistinct, irregular borders that blend into the surrounding skin. The marks are often most noticeable on the face, commonly appearing on the forehead, upper eyelids, or between the eyebrows. A key characteristic is their tendency to become temporarily darker or more prominent when the baby cries, strains, or becomes warm. This occurs because increased blood flow makes the dilated vessels more visible. Pressing on the mark will cause it to momentarily blanch, or turn white, before the color returns. When this exact same mark appears on the back of the neck or lower scalp, it is nicknamed a “Stork Bite.” Both Angel Kisses and Stork Bites are medically classified as nevus simplex; the location is the only difference.
Prognosis and When They Disappear
Angel Kisses are benign and require no medical treatment. The expectation is that the mark will fade on its own as the infant grows and the skin thickens, making the blood vessels less visible. For marks located on the face, the prognosis for resolution is excellent. These Angel Kisses usually fade completely within the first one to two years of life, often by 18 months of age. Although the mark may briefly reappear during periods of high emotion or fever, this visibility lessens over time. The marks located on the nape of the neck, known as Stork Bites, tend to be more persistent. While they may lighten significantly, they have a higher chance of remaining into adolescence or adulthood. Since this area is typically covered by hair, the persistent mark is rarely a cosmetic concern.
Distinguishing Angel Kisses from Other Birthmarks
An Angel Kiss is distinct from other vascular birthmarks because nevus simplex is flat and does not change in texture. This differs significantly from Infantile Hemangiomas, often called “strawberry marks,” which are vascular tumors typically appearing in the first few weeks of life, not at birth. Infantile Hemangiomas are raised, bumpy, and undergo a rapid growth phase during the first six to nine months. They are firmer to the touch and take much longer to resolve, often not fully shrinking until five to nine years of age. The hemangioma’s unique growth and slow resolution pattern distinguishes it from the flat, quickly fading nevus simplex. Another mark, the Port-Wine Stain (Nevus Flammeus), is also a capillary malformation but does not fade over time and may darken or thicken with age. Unlike the bilateral and symmetrical pattern often seen in Angel Kisses, Port-Wine Stains tend to be unilateral. Consulting a healthcare provider for any birthmark that is raised, growing rapidly, or changing color can help ensure an accurate diagnosis.