MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Mongolian blue spots

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Mongolian blue spots

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms	Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Mongolian blue spots

Neonate

Alternative names Return to top

Mongolian spots; Congenital dermal melanocytosis; Dermal melanocytosis

Definition Return to top

Mongolian spots are flat bluish to bluish gray skin markings that commonly appear at birth (or shortly thereafter).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Mongolian blue spots are common among darker skinned races, such as Asian, East Indian, and African. They are flat, pigmented lesions with nebulous borders and irregular shape. They appear commonly at the base of the spine, on the buttocks and back, and also can appear as high as the shoulders and elsewhere. Mongolian spots are benign skin markings and are not associated with any conditions or illnesses.

Occasionally, Mongolian blue spots are mistaken for bruises and questions about child abuse arise. It is important to recognize that Mongolian blue spots are birthmarks, NOT bruises.

Symptoms Return to top

Bluish to blue-gray spots on the back, buttocks, base of spine, or elsewhere
Coloration may resemble bruising
Pigmented area has normal skin texture
May cover a large area of back

Other

Increased incidence in darker skinned races
Generally disappears by puberty

Signs and tests Return to top

Examination of the skin is sufficient to determine that the spots are Mongolian blue spots. No testing is necessary.

Treatment Return to top

No treatment is necessary or recommended.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The bluish discoloration often fades in a few years and is almost universally gone by adolescence.

Complications Return to top

There are no complications.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

All birthmarks should be examined by the health care provider during a routine newborn examination.

Update Date: 10/27/2003

Updated by: Jeffrey Drayer, M.D., Dermatologist, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.