Mongolian Spot
Introduction
Mongolian spots or congenital dermal melanocytosis are flat, slate grey or blue birthmarks usually located on the lower back and buttocks. These are usually present at birth, although can appear in the first few weeks of life. There may be one or several patches on the baby's skin.
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Patchy blue grey rash on the buttocks and lower back of a baby with Mongolian spot or congenital dermal melanocytosis
Who gets it?
Mongolian spots are equally present in boys and girls and tend to be more common in babies with darker skin type from Asian, Oceanic, Indian, Hispanic, or African descent. Children with mongolian spots are otherwise healthy.
What causes it?
Mongolian spots are caused by pigment making cells in the skin called melanocytes which become trapped in the dermis (deeper surface of the skin) instead of the epidermis (top surface of the skin) whilst your child was developing in the womb.
What does it look and feel like?
Looks like…
Usually small irregular patch of blue-grey spots, sometimes mistaken for a bruise
Usually affects the lower back and buttocks. Sometimes on the shoulders
Those on the buttocks and lower back tend to disappear by school age. The ones on shoulders, face and other sites can persist into teenage years and long term.
Feels like…
Flat, normal skin texture
What tests might be needed?
No tests are required to diagnose a Mongolian spot. If your baby has a Mongolian spot in unusual places or has large parts of their skin affected your GP might refer your child to a dermatolgist for review.
What treatments are available?
What can I do?
No treatment is required or recommended for Mongolian spots. These spots do not cause any harm to your child and tend to fade completely by the time your child is a teenager.
If by late teenage years the mark has not faded away and your child wishes to have the birthmark treated it is worthwhile seeing a dermatolgist to discuss laser treatment options.
What happens after treatment?
No further action is required after diagnosis.
What support is available?
Often, we worry about marks that may show up on an infant. Mongolian spots can sometimes be mistaken for a bruise and as a result parents may worry about possible abuse. It is important to note that bruises will change size, shape and colour in a matter of days becoming more orange or yellow as they fade. If there is concern of abuse, it is always best to bring your infant to your local GP for further review.
Authors/Reviewers:
Author: Dr Beverly Manago
Paediatric Reviewer: Dr Mayuri Sivagnanam
Editor in Chief: Dr Tevi Wain
