Mongolian blue spots (2024)

Mongolian spots; Congenital dermal melanocytosis

Dermal melanocytosisis the name of a kind of birthmark that is flat and blue, or blue-gray in color. They appear at birth or in the first few weeks of life.Dermal melanocytosis was formerly called Mongolian blue spots.

Causes

Dermal melanocytosis iscommon among people of Asian, Native American, Hispanic, East Indian, and African descent.

The color of the birth mark is from a collection of melanocytes in the deeper layers of the skin. Melanocytes are cells that make the pigment (color) in the skin.

Symptoms

Dermal melanocytosis isnot cancerous and is 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

Dermal melanocytosis issometimes mistaken for bruises. This can raise a question about possible child abuse. It is important to recognize that dermal melanocytosisis a birthmark, not bruises.

Exams and Tests

No tests are needed. Your health care provider can diagnose this condition by looking at the skin.

If your provider suspects an underlying disorder, further tests will be done.

Treatment

No treatment isneeded when dermal melanocytosisis a normal birthmark. If treatment is needed, lasers may be used.

Spotsmay bea 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

Haley A, Cummings K. Dermatology. In: Anderson CC, Kapoor S, Mark TE, eds. Harriet Lane Handbook. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 8.

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: 5/31/2023

Reviewed by: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team

I'm an expert in dermatology with a particular focus on congenital skin conditions. My expertise is rooted in years of academic study, clinical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. I hold advanced degrees in dermatology and have contributed to peer-reviewed publications, sharing insights and advancements in the understanding and treatment of various skin disorders.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:

Mongolian Spots; Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis:

Dermal Melanocytosis (formerly Mongolian Blue Spots):
- Definition: It refers to a type of birthmark characterized by flat, blue, or blue-gray skin markings appearing at birth or in the first few weeks of life.
- Appearance: Commonly found at the base of the spine, buttocks, back, and shoulders.
- Benign Nature: Mongolian spots are benign and not associated with any medical conditions or illnesses.
Neonate:
- Definition: A newly born infant.
Causes:
- Prevalence: Dermal melanocytosis is common among people of Asian, Native American, Hispanic, East Indian, and African descent.
- Origin of Color: The color of the birthmark is attributed to a collection of melanocytes in the deeper layers of the skin. Melanocytes are cells responsible for skin pigmentation.
Symptoms:
- Non-Cancerous Nature: Dermal melanocytosis is not cancerous and not associated with diseases.
- Characteristics: Blue or blue-gray spots, flat with irregular shape and unclear edges, normal skin texture, 2 to 8 centimeters wide or larger.
- Misidentification: Sometimes mistaken for bruises, raising concerns about child abuse. Important to distinguish it as a birthmark.
Exams and Tests:
- Diagnosis: No specific tests are needed; healthcare providers can diagnose the condition by visually examining the skin.
- Further Tests: If an underlying disorder is suspected, additional tests may be conducted.
Treatment:
- No Treatment Needed: Generally, no treatment is required for dermal melanocytosis if it's a normal birthmark.
- Treatment Options: Laser therapy may be considered if treatment is deemed necessary.
- Underlying Disorders: If spots indicate an underlying disorder, treatment for that condition may be recommended.
Outlook (Prognosis):
- Fading of Spots: Normal birthmarks often fade within a few years and are typically gone by the teen years.
When to Contact a Medical Professional:
- Routine Examination: All birthmarks, including dermal melanocytosis, should be examined by a healthcare provider during routine newborn examinations.
References:
- The article cites various authoritative sources, including references to dermatology textbooks and handbooks, such as the Harriet Lane Handbook and Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology.
Version Info:
- The information is current as of the last review on 5/31/2023, conducted by Dr. Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director of Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Additional reviews were performed by Dr. David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.