A butterfly-shaped birthmark is a specific presentation of nevus flammeus simplex, a common type of birthmark. It's characterized by its distinctive butterfly shape and is part of the same family as "stork bites" (erythema nuchae) and facial salmon patches.
While these marks often fade, a butterfly-shaped nevus flammeus simplex tends to disappear more slowly than other variations. It is found as part of the nevus flammeus simplex distribution.
Here's a breakdown:
- Nevus Flammeus Simplex: This is the overarching term for these types of birthmarks. They are caused by dilated capillaries in the skin.
- Location: While they can appear elsewhere, the reference suggests it's recognized in the distribution pattern of other nevus flammeus simplex marks.
- Persistence: Butterfly-shaped marks are noted to potentially last longer than stork bites or facial salmon patches.
- Appearance: It is described as having a “butterfly” shape.
Because the question concerns birthmarks in general rather than a specific condition requiring immediate medical advice, the answer can be general.
