Associated symptoms

The stork bite is usually a harmless phenomenon and therefore does not lead to further symptoms. It is characteristic that the stork bite turns even more red in situations of increased blood circulation – i.e. when the child is excited, such as when screaming. It is also noticeable that stork bites of certain parts of the body are disproportionately often accompanied by further malformations.

By definition, this is no longer called a classic stork bite, but a fire stain (Naevus flammeus). A stork bite usually does not itch because it is merely a matter of dilated blood vessels in the skin. However, if the child shows symptoms of itching, the region should be examined more closely.

It may not be a stork bite but some other itchy rash in the baby, such as eczema in the baby. Depending on its extent, eczema can possibly be confused at first sight with a large stork bite. If the alleged stork bite causes itching or another symptom, a renewed medical examination should be carried out and the diagnosis checked for accuracy.

Therapy

Since stork bites are usually harmless and disappear on their own, no therapy is usually necessary. At first, the spontaneous course of the skin change will be observed. Usually the spot disappears on its own within the first years of life and in most cases has completely disappeared by the age of six.

Sometimes, however, the stork bite can persist and show no spontaneous regression tendency. In such cases, a therapeutic removal of the stork bite can be considered, especially if the skin mark is also perceived as cosmetically disturbing. Possible then is for example the sclerotherapy of the dilated vessels by means of laser therapy.However, in the case of very large stork bites, this procedure may be insufficient under certain circumstances and may not bring about the desired success. If necessary, the only thing that remains is to cover the stork bite with special make-up.