What is the normal reddish skin finding at the junction of the neck and occiput in infants?

From the Guidelines

The normal reddish skin finding at the junction of the neck and occiput in infants is called a "salmon patch" or "stork bite," which is a common, benign vascular birthmark. This condition is characterized by a flat, pink or red patch on the nape of the neck where it meets the base of the skull, and it occurs in approximately 30-40% of newborns 1. According to the study published in Pediatrics in 2015 1, these lesions are present in up to 43% of the general population and are not associated with underlying dysraphic malformations when located on the nape of the neck. Key characteristics of this condition include:

• A flat, pink or red capillary malformation with relatively ill-defined borders
• Presence on the nape of the neck, also known as the "stork bite" location
• Caused by dilated capillaries near the skin surface
• More visible when the baby cries, is hot, or during changes in temperature
• Typically fades on its own within the first year of life, though some may persist into adulthood No treatment is necessary for this condition, and parents should be reassured that it is a normal finding and not a cause for concern 1.

From the Research

Normal Reddish Skin Findings in Infants

The normal reddish skin finding at the junction of the neck and occiput in infants can be attributed to several conditions. Some of these conditions include:

• Nevus simplex, a benign capillary malformation 2
• Dermal melanocytosis, a benign finding that is easily recognized and does not warrant further evaluation 2, 3
• Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), which are evident in 1% to 6% of neonates 4

Characteristics of These Conditions

These conditions can present with various characteristics, such as:

• Reddish or brownish color
• Presence at birth or shortly after birth
• Location on any part of the body, including the neck and occiput
• Possible hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) in some cases 5

Importance of Evaluation

While most of these conditions are benign, it is essential to evaluate them to rule out any potential complications, such as:

• Melanoma, which can arise in congenital melanocytic nevi 4, 5
• Neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM), which can occur in patients with large CMN 4