naevus flammeus

Last reviewed 11/2020

A capillary naevus is present at birth unlike a strawberry naevus. It is caused by a proliferation of capillaries in the superficial dermal capillary plexus.

Presentation:

  • salmon-coloured patch: may be seen on the face or nape of the neck. Occurs in up to 40% of infants. Lesions on the site of the neck are often covered by hair and may not fade away.

  • facial lesions (usually on the glabellar, forehead, eyelids) generally fade away in the first year of life.