Are Mongolian Blue Spots?
Mongolian blue spots, also known as slate gray nevi, are a type
of pigmented birthmark. They’re formally called congenital dermal
These marks are flat and blue-gray. They typically appear on the
buttocks or lower back, but may also be found on the arms or legs. They’re
generally present at birth or develop soon after.
These birthmarks are noncancerous and present no health danger.
However, your child’s pediatrician should examine the marks to confirm the
diagnosis. There is no recommended treatment for Mongolian blue spots. They usually
fade before adolescence.
Birthmarks are markings on the skin that show up around the time
a baby is born. There’s no way to prevent them.
According to the Cleveland
Clinic, birthmarks appear within two months after birth. If a mark shows up
later in adulthood, it’s not considered a birthmark. Mongolian blue spots
appear around the time of birth.
There are two main types of birthmarks: red (vascular) and
pigmented birthmarks. Red birthmarks occur as a result of too many blood
vessels. They can have many complications, such as bleeding and pain.
Pigmented birthmarks have no known causes, and they don’t cause
any adverse health effects. Mongolian blue spots fall into this category of
Causes Mongolian Blue Spots?
Mongolian blue spots appear on the skin shortly after birth. The
cause of these birthmarks is unknown. Mongolian blue spots are not related to
an underlying health condition.
Sometimes the spots are mistaken for symptoms of a common spinal
condition called spina bifida occulta. However, according to the Spina
Bifida Association, related spots are red — not the grayish color of Mongolian
The amount of melanin (the substance responsible for skin color)
you have generally determines the color of pigmented birthmarks. People with
darker skin are more likely to have pigmented birthmarks.
Factors for Mongolian Blue Spots
The precise causes of Mongolian blue spots are unknown, as are risk
factors that can increase your odds of getting them. However, melanin
ultimately plays a role in any form of skin discoloration.
Mongolian blue spots seem to be more common in people with dark
skin, including people of African, East Indian, or Asian descent.
Mongolian Blue Spots Look Like
Because of their color, Mongolian blue spots can be mistaken for
- flat against the skin, with a normal skin
- blue or blue-gray in color
- usually 2-8 centimeters wide
- an irregular shape, with poorly demarcated edges
- usually present at birth, or soon after
- usually located on the buttocks or lower back,
and less commonly, on the arms or trunk
However, unlike bruises, Mongolian blue spots don’t disappear
within a matter of days.
It’s important to understand the common characteristics of these
spots. Marks likely aren’t related to Mongolian blue spots if they:
- aren’t raised
- aren’t bluish
- appear later in life
Mongolian Blue Spots Dangerous?
Mongolian blue spots are
harmless. They’re not cancerous or indicative of a disease
or disorder. There’s no need for medical intervention. In many cases, the spots
fade over time and are gone by the time a child becomes a teenager.
If your child appears to have Mongolian blue spots, make sure the
pediatrician examines them at your baby’s first checkup. A doctor can diagnose
Mongolian blue spots based on their appearance.
The only possible complication of these spots is psychological. This
is particularly the case for blue spots that are visible to others and last
longer than childhood.
Mongolian blue spots fade over time. Like other types of
noncancerous birthmarks, they don’t cause any long-term health problems.
Spots that start to change shape or color may be something else.
Never self-diagnose any skin conditions — always check with your doctor or a