Salmon patch is basically a birthmark on the skin that some new born babies are born with. However, there is nothing to worry about this as it usually fades away after some time, i.e. within a year or two. In this article, we will be discussing about the cause, symptoms and everything related to salmon patches in the new born babies.
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In This Article:
Causes of Salmon Patch
Symptoms of Salmon Patch
Where are these Patches Found On The Skin?
Who can Get These Patches?
How long do these Patches Last?
Are they Infectious?
Is there any Difference Between Stork Bites and Angel Kisses?
Can it be Prevented?
Can Salmon Patches be Diagnosed?
Can it be Treated?
When to Consult a Doctor?
A Guide for Salmon Patch or Angel Kiss in Newborns
Causes of Salmon Patch
Most of us wonder about what actually causes stork bites or angel kisses in babies. Although, there is a possibility of these birthmarks being inherited. Until now, there is no exact cause of salmon patches being on the child’s skin.
But one thing that is confirmed is that salmon patches are of no harm and will also not affect your baby’s growth and development in any case. These will gradually disappear after some time. However, when your baby cries or gets upset or experiences change in the room temperature, the stretched blood vessels under the skin can get even more pronounced.
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Symptoms of Salmon Patch
It is very easy to establish salmon patch by their appearance. Listed below are a few symptoms of salmon patch rash or salmon patch.
The patches are:
- Visible on the face or on the nape of the neck
- Flat marks on the skin
- Pink or red in colour
- Do not have any defined borders
- Do not lead to any kind of itchiness or pain
Where are these Patches Found On The Skin?
These are flat and pinkish and reddish patches. These can be found between the eyebrows, around the mouth, over the eyelids, on the nose or on the nape of the neck.
Who can Get These Patches?
Each and every baby has salmon patches before they are born but only 70 percent of them have it even after birth. Moreover, while in most cases, the patches disappear after some time, within one to two years after birth but some patches may stay on the skin even after that.
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How long do these Patches Last?
These patches do not last very long and may disappear after some time. But in case of snork bites, they are most likely to remain in approximately 50 percent of the cases.
Are they Infectious?
Absolutely not. Salmon patches are not infectious. The appearance of these patches is mainly due to the dilated capillaries on the baby’s skin. There is no viral or bacterial infection leading the same.
Is there any Difference Between Stork Bites and Angel Kisses?
Both of these are salmon patches but there are just two differences between them both. The first difference is the location and the second difference, the time they take in fading away. Angel kisses appear on the front side whereas stork bites appear on the back side which is on the nape of the neck of a baby. in addition to this, angel kisses disappear earlier as compared to stork bites whereas, in a few cases, stork bites may not disappear and stay on the baby’s skin.
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Can it be Prevented?
There is lack of evidence on what exactly leads to salmon patch eye or salmon patches on your baby’s body and thus, you cannot prevent these patches. You do not have to think that these patches have occurred because you didn’t take care of something during your pregnancy because in any case, you couldn’t have done anything to prevent these patches.
Can Salmon Patches be Diagnosed?
It is advised to refrain from any sort of self-diagnosis and assumptions regarding the patches on your baby’s skin. Whenever you notice any sort of mark on your baby’s skin, get it checked by your doctor to confirm whether or not it is harmful for your baby.
Your doctor can help you know if it is a salmon patch or something else by simply looking at it. not only the appearance but the location of the patch will also help you know about the same.
Can it be Treated?
There is no need for any sort of treatment for a salmon patch. It is advised that you first wait for the patch to fade away on its own, within a year or two after the birth of your baby. you do not need to worry about it, causing any harm to your baby as these are absolutely harmless. In case, the salmon patch is present even after a year or two, you can consider salmon patch birthmark removal by laser treatment.
When to Consult a Doctor?
There is no need to worry once your doctor has confirmed that the mark on your baby’s skin is nothing but a salmon patch. It is harmless, behaves like a normal skin and will disappear after some time. But if you notice any crack, swelling and some other unusual symptom around the birthmark skin, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical help.
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Reference
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21315858
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4053299/
