Stork bite on the eye
definition
The so-called stork bite (synonyms: Naevus flammeus, Naevus Unna, Naevus occipitalis, Bossard's spot) is a red spot on the skin that can appear in a newborn, is usually harmless and usually disappears completely after a few years .
In addition to the frequent locations on the back of the head or the forehead, the stork bite also occurs on the eyelid and face. The reason for the red appearance of the stork bite is a local expansion of the vessels in the area. If the stork bite occurs on the eye, the child should be examined for the presence of certain diseases that are correlated with the stork bite.
causes
The exact background, which lead to the occurrence of a stork bite, as well as the mechanism, why the vessels are dilated in certain places while the rest of the body shows normal vascular functions, could not yet be clearly clarified. One theory behind the development of the stork bite lies in the development of the child's nervous system. It is assumed that a disturbance in the development of the child's neural tube can lead to the development of a stork bite. This assumption is reasonable because the expansion of the vessels is controlled by the nerves.
It was also found that certain diseases lead to an increased incidence of stork bites. This is known for both the so-called Sturge-Weber syndrome and the Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. The affected child should be examined for these syndromes, especially if the stork bite is large and affects the eye.
diagnosis
The stork bite represents a so-called eye diagnosis. There up to 50% of all newborns who have a stork bite, the diagnosis is made relatively often. If the findings are unclear, pressure can be applied to the affected skin area with a glass spatula. If the area under the glass spatula becomes pale as a result of the pressure, it is usually a stork bite. The diagnosis is based on the harmless findings usually no therapeutic consequence.
Concomitant symptoms
In most cases, a stork bite occurs without any accompanying symptoms. However, if the stork bite is noticeable and is present on the face and has persisted for more than a year, there may be a correlation with the stork bite Clinical picture present. These so-called neurocutaneous syndromes can have different symptoms. In particular, neural symptoms such as Seizures as well as the development of tumors in the course of the typical symptoms.
itching
The skin symptoms that occur as part of the stork bite usually do not show any itching. However, if there is a definite itch from the affected areas, it must be checked whether it is actually a stork bite or whether there is another disease. It is particularly likely that it is a different disease if in addition to the itching Skin changes such as flaking or pustules appear. If itching persists, a treating doctor should therefore be used to rule out other diseases doctor to be visited.
Treatment / therapy
After the diagnosis of a stork bite has been made, no therapy is initially necessary. However, it may be necessary to check whether the occurrence of the stork bite on the eye is related to the neurocutaneous syndromes. If this is the case, the treatment of these syndromes is in the foreground.
If it is only a harmless skin appearance, you should first wait, as the stork bite is in most cases by itself regresses. Most stork bites resolve completely within a year. In some cases, the appearance of the skin can still be seen after a year and sometimes the stork bite persists for years.
Especially in these cases the cosmetic Therapy of the stork bite in the foreground of the treatment. Especially in the eye, the stork bite is usually very visually annoying, from which those affected can sometimes suffer very much. Both cosmetic and interventional therapy can help. Both with certain laser beams and with cold therapy (Cryotherapy) the stork bite can be easily removed visually. It should be noted that in order to achieve good results often with a long therapy duration must be expected.
Duration
A stork bite can be detected in up to 50% of newborns. The number of adults who have a stork bite is much lower. This is because the skin manifestations are in most cases within one year regress. Therapy should therefore only be carried out when it can be assumed that no improvement in the stork bite can be expected. Laser or cold therapy is recommended at the earliest when the affected child over 2 years old is.
If a neurocutaneous syndrome is present, the syndrome cannot be cured. Above all, one should Symptom control of the occurring seizures are observed. Even if the stork bite occurs as part of a neurocutaneous syndrome, it can be removed with the help of laser or cold therapy.
Other localization
On the forehead
The possible locations at which a stork bite can occur are varied. A stork bite on the eye can often protrude into the forehead. Particularly when the skin appearance runs obliquely in the course of a certain nerve, the presence of an neurocutaneous syndrome be thought. This nerve runs in the face on the forehead as well as on the cheek, eye and nose.
On the nose
In addition to the eye, the stork bite can also be localized on the nose. If the stork bite occurs on both the nose and eyelid, the possibility of one should always be considered neurocutaneous syndrome be thought. Since the nose, as well as the eyelid, is supplied by a nerve on the course of which the stork bite occurs as part of the neurocutaneous syndrome, the suspicion in these cases is obvious.
In the neck / back of the head
The name of the stork bite can be traced back to the typical localization on the neck and back of the head of the newborn. This place is by far the most most common localization for the skin change. The presence of a neurocutaneous syndrome is less likely in this case than it is in an appearance on the eyelid.
