Mongolian blue spots
Mongolian spots; Congenital dermal melanocytosis; Dermal melanocytosis
Mongolian spots are a kind of birthmark that are flat, blue, or blue-gray. They appear at birth or in the first few weeks of life.
Mongolian blue spots are flat bluish- to bluish-gray skin markings commonly appearing at birth or shortly thereafter. They appear commonly at the base of the spine, on the buttocks and back and also can appear on the shoulders. Mongolian spots are benign and are not associated with any conditions or illnesses.
A newly born infant is also called a neonate.
Causes
Mongolian blue spots are common among people who are of Asian, Native American, Hispanic, East Indian, and African descent.
The color of the spots are from a collection of melanocytes in the deeper layers of the skin. Melanocytes are cells that make the pigment (color) in the skin.
Symptoms
Mongolian spots are not cancerous and are not associated with disease. The markings may cover a large area of the back.
The markings are usually:
- Blue or blue-gray spots on the back, buttocks, base of spine, shoulders, or other body areas
- Flat with irregular shape and unclear edges
- Normal in skin texture
- 2 to 8 centimeters wide, or larger
Mongolian blue spots are sometimes mistaken for bruises. This can raise a question about possible child abuse. It is important to recognize that Mongolian blue spots are birthmarks, not bruises.
Exams and Tests
No tests are needed. The health care provider can diagnose this condition by looking at the skin.
If the provider suspects an underlying disorder, further tests will be done.
Treatment
No treatment is needed when Mongolian spots are normal birthmarks. If treatment is needed, lasers may be used.
Spots may be a sign of an underlying disorder. If so, treatment for that problem will likely be recommended. Your provider can tell you more.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Spots that are normal birthmarks often fade in a few years. They are almost always gone by the teen years.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
All birthmarks should be examined by a provider during the routine newborn examination.
References
James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Melanocytic nevi and neoplasms. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 30.
McClean ME, Martin KL. Cutaneous nevi. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 670.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 4/16/2019
Reviewed by: Michael Lehrer, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
