In an exclusive interview with Sayidaty & Your Baby, pediatrician and neonatology consultant Dr. Mohammed Abu Dawood explains what a salmon patch is, other common types of skin spots in newborns, and when they become a concern.
Important Information About Salmon Patches on Your Baby’s Head
In some newborns, a reddish or pink flat patch may appear on the scalp or different areas of the face. This type of mark—often alarming to new mothers—is known as a salmon patch, or medically as nevus simplex.
These patches develop due to a minor abnormality in the growth of the baby’s superficial blood vessels. They appear in about 40% of newborns. A salmon patch is typically:
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Pink or red
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Flat
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More visible when the baby cries
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Momentarily disappears when pressed
Salmon patches often appear on the baby's forehead, where they are known as “Angel’s Kiss.” If they appear on the back of the neck, they are called “Stork Bite.”
They can also appear on the eyelids or scalp. Most salmon patches fade naturally within the baby’s first year, though some may persist until puberty. They do not require any treatment, including laser removal.
Other Types of Facial Spots in Infants
1. White Patches on the Baby’s Face
Some white patches may appear on a child’s face for different reasons. One common cause is pityriasis alba, named for the fine, bran-like white scales on the patches. These spots:
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Usually appear on the cheeks
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Are round or oval
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Sometimes appear on the arms
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Occur in children aged 3 to 10
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Usually disappear within a year
Sun exposure tends to worsen them, so applying sunscreen is helpful.
White patches without scaling may be due to intestinal worms. Some children may also develop round, irregular, rough patches that cause itching and affect ages 3–15.
Additionally, some infants develop small red bumps on their face—commonly called “milk spots”—caused by the transfer of maternal hormones. These are harmless and disappear on their own.
3. Mongolian Spots
Mongolian spots are congenital birthmarks that appear as bluish or gray patches resembling ink stains. They are usually found:
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On the lower back (sacral area)
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Behind the thighs
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On the shoulders
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On the legs
These patches have irregular edges and can be a single large patch or several smaller ones.
They are very common in babies with dark or brown skin:
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80% of dark-skinned newborns
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Only 10% of fair-skinned newborns
Most Mongolian spots fade by the baby’s first year.
When Are Skin Spots a Medical Concern?
Sometimes, skin spots may indicate a medical issue:
1. Clogged Pores and Irritation
Food residue around the baby's mouth may block pores and trap bacteria, causing an acne-like rash. Babies often lick food or put objects in their mouths, which increases the risk of irritation and infection if not cleaned promptly.
2. Viral Skin Infections
Children aged 1–10 years, especially in warm, humid, poorly ventilated environments, are more prone to viral skin infections such as:
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Chickenpox-related bumps
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Molluscum contagiosum, also known as “pearly warts”
These appear as small, flesh-colored or pink bumps. Though molluscum is harmless, it is contagious through touch. A doctor can easily distinguish between different viral infections and provide appropriate treatment.
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