Abstract: Objective To explore the natural course of salmon patch and the identification between salmon patch and port wine stain.Methods Between March 2007 to May 2011,thirty-six patients with face and neck stains were analysed.The locations and changes of the stains were observed to conclude the differences between salmon patch and port wine stain.Results Twenty-one patients were diagnosed salmon patch and 15 patients were involved in multi-region(71.4%).Among them,forehead and glabella were involved in 16 cases(38.1%),while nape,eyelid and phitrum in 13,9 and 3 cases respectively(31.0%,21.4% and 7.1%).Eighteen stains were fade away at the age of 2(85.7%).The other 3 patients were followed up and the stains had no change,so the diagnosis was changed as port wine stain.Fifteen port wine stains were diagnosed,including 2 cases in the temproal region(13.3%),8 cases in the cheek region(53.3%),3 cases in the mandible region(20%).Two patients involved in several regions(13.3%).90% of the stains had no obvious change at the age of 2.The stains of the other 2 patients were slightly darken.Conclusion Salmon patch can be confused with port wine stains in shape.But they are different in locations and natural courses.Long standing follow up will aid in correct diagnosis and appropriate management of these birthmarks.

Key words: Salmon patch, Port wine stain, Identification