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Definition
Birthmarks are marks on the skin that can last for several years or longer. This article will answer some common questions asked about normal birthmarks in newborns
Rashes are marks on the skin that are temporary. You can find information on common rashes here.
Go directly to the topic that relates to your question for advice.
Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis – blue-green or blue-gray birthmarks, often on buttocks or back
In the past, these were frequently called “Mongolian Spots” so many parents still know them by this name.
Stork Bite / Angel’s kiss / Salmon Patch / Nevus Simplex - flat pink birthmarks on back of neck or bridge of nose.
Hemangiomas – raised red birthmarks. or deep blue birthmarks
Port-wine stains / Nevus Flammeus - dark red or purple flat birthmarks.
Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis
In the past, these were frequently called “Mongolian Spots” so many parents still know them by this name.
They are flat and blue-green or blue-gray in color.
They are very common - more than 90% of Native American, Asian, Hispanic, and African American babies and about 10% of Caucasian babies, especially those with Mediterranean backgrounds.
They can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the lower back and buttocks.
Some babies have just one, while others might have several. They can be small or large.
These marks are not harmful and do not mean illness or abuse.
What to expect: most will fade by age 2 or 3 year but some may stay.
Treatment: none
Images and captions from DermNet - Click link for more pictures and information:
Stork Bite / Angel’s Kiss / Salmon Patch / Nevus Simplex
Flat pink birthmarks that occur in more than half of newborns.
Nevus Simplex - Image from DermNet -Click link for more pictures and information:
Depending on where they show up, they may be called:
Stork bite - no the back of the neck
Angel’s kiss - on the eyelids or bridge of the nose
In your child’s medical record, it will likely be called nevus simplex
How long they last usually depends on the location:
On the eyelids - usually fade by 1 year old.
On the nose - may last a few years.
On the forehead - can stay into adulthood.
On the back of the neck - 1 in 4 will persist.
Treatment: In some cases, laser treatment may be considered.
Hemangiomas
These birthmarks are made from blood vessels.
Most are red and raised, but some can be deep under the skin and look blue.
Even though they are called birthmarks, they usually don’t appear right after birth. They often start to show up when your baby is about 3 weeks old.
What to expect:
They may get larger over the first year.
Most will fade over 6 to 8 years.
They have a small risk of bleeding if bumped or injured. Bleeding usually stops with 10 minutes of direct pressure.
Treatment:
In most cases no treatment is needed.
Depending on their size or location, some may require treatment from a Dermatologist. Ask your baby’s primary care provider if they think your child should see a dermatologist.
Hemangiomas
Infantile hemangioma
Deep infantile hemangioma
Images from DermNet. Click the link for additional images.
Port-Wine Stain / Nevus Flammeus
These birthmarks usually have a flat, smooth surface and are dark red or purple. The color is usually deeper than seen with Stork bites / Angel’s kisses.
In your child’s medical record, it will likely be called nevus flammeus.
They are present at birth in 1 out of every 200 newborns
What to expect:
These marks usually do not fade or disappear.
They may become darker over time.
They often grow with your child but stay in the same location.
Your baby’s primary care provider will probably refer you to a dermatologist.
Treatment: Laser treatments may be recommended.
This publication adapted from AAP Patient education materials. Images are presented per the Image Use Policy of DermNet.
Images
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Reviewed by: JJ M.D., AR D.O., TT D.O. | 07/2025