Mongolian spots are flat, blue, or blue-gray skin markings near the buttocks that commonly appear at birth or shortly thereafter.
See also: Rashes
Mongolian blue spots are common among darker skinned persons, such as those who are of Asian, East Indian, and African descent.
Mongolian spots are noncancerous skin markings and are not associated with disease. The markings may cover a large area of the back.
Occasionally, Mongolian blue spots are mistaken for bruises, which can raise a question about possible child abuse. It is important to recognize that Mongolian blue spots are birthmarks, NOT bruises.
Symptoms include:
No tests are needed. Your doctor can diagnose this condition by looking at the skin.
No treatment is necessary or recommended.
The spots often fade in a few years and are almost always gone by adolescence.
There are no complications.
All birthmarks should be examined by a health care provider during the routine newborn examination.
Mongolian spots; Congenital dermal melanocytosis; Dermal melanocytosis
James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011.
Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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