Mongolian blue spots

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.

Causes

Mongolian blue spots are common among persons 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 skin. Melanoctyes are cells that make the pigment (color) in the skin.

If there are many spots, or a spot covers a large area, it may be a sign of an underlying disorder, such as a metabolism problem called GM1 gangliosidosis type 1.

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 necessary or recommended when Mongolian spots are normal birthmarks. If treatment is needed, lasers may be used.

If the spots are a sign of an underlying disorder, 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, and 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.