Mongolian Spots in Babies: Causes, Pictures, Removal Treatment Options

Mongolian Spots: Appearance, Causes, and Treatment

Mongolian spots are a common type of birthmark that appear as blue or blue-gray markings on a baby's lower back or buttocks. Typically harmless, Mongolian spots tend to fade by early childhood. However, some families seek treatment for cosmetic reasons or to distinguish the marks from bruising. Keep reading for more details about Mongolian spots, including causes, appearance, photos, and removal options.

What Are Mongolian Spots?

Mongolian spots, also known as congenital dermal melanocytosis, are flat, blue-gray birthmarks. They are caused by an abundance of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, deep in the skin.

Mongolian spots most frequently occur at the base of the spine and buttocks. However, they sometimes appear on other areas like the back, flanks, shoulders, and even the face.

These markings tend to be irregular in shape and can range in color from pale blue to bluish-gray or slate gray. Their size can vary from a few centimeters to more than 20 centimeters wide.

Mongolian Spot Causes

Doctors don't know exactly why some babies develop Mongolian spots while others don't. However, several factors are believed to contribute to their formation:

• Genetics - Mongolian spots often run in families.
• Ethnicity - More common in Asian, Native American, Hispanic, and African populations.
• Skin color - Associated with darker skin tones.
• Pregnancy hormones - Estrogen and progesterone may play a role.

The excess melanin that causes these markings is thought to get trapped deep under the surface during development in the womb.

Are Mongolian Spots Harmful?

Mongolian spots are benign (non-cancerous) and do not negatively affect an infant's health. Parents sometimes worry the marks indicate bruising or injury. But the locations, like the lower back, help identify them as Mongolian spots rather than trauma.

Rarely, these birthmarks appear on areas more concerning for injury, like the face or limbs. But a doctor can distinguish them through visual examination and testing.

Mongolian Spots and Birth Injury

While Mongolian spots themselves are harmless, some research indicates an association with birth-related nerve injuries like brachial plexus injury and facial palsy.

One study found infants with Mongolian spots had a higher incidence of brachial plexus palsy compared to the general population. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves running to the shoulders, arms and hands. Injury can cause weakness or paralysis.

However, it's thought the relationship involves birth-related trauma rather than the spots themselves causing any damage or impairment.

Mongolian Spots Across Age Groups

Mongolian spots are very common in newborns, occurring in over 90% of babies in some ethnic populations. However, they become less prevalent with age as the marks fade.

Research indicates the estimated prevalence decreases to about 50% by age 1, 10% by age 4, and under 3% by age 9. However, the spots sometimes persist into the teen years or longer before fully resolving.

Mongolian Spot Pictures

Here are some photos of typical Mongolian spots in infants:

Distinguishing from Bruises

Unlike bruises, Mongolian spots have indistinct borders that gradually fade into normal skin. They don't change in appearance if pressed on. Doctors can also use a Wood's lamp which causes the spots to glow blue-white.

Diagnosing Mongolian Spots

Doctors typically diagnose Mongolian spots through visual inspection and identification of key features:

• Location - lower back/buttock region most common
• Color - blue/blue-gray
• Flat appearance - not raised or swollen
• Gradual borders - no distinct edges
• Doesn't change when pressed - unlike bruises

If uncertain, they may use methods like Wood's lamp examination or skin biopsy for confirmation. But this is rarely needed.

Treating Mongolian Spots

As Mongolian spots are harmless and tend to fade over time, treatment is not medically necessary. However, some families opt to have them lightened or removed for cosmetic reasons:

• Fading before school age to avoid teasing
• Self-consciousness about appearance
• Misperception as bruising
• Cultural stigmas in some regions

Dermatologists may employ options like laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels to lighten the spots. Let's look at each of these in more detail:

Laser Therapy

Laser treatment uses focused light to target the excess melanin in Mongolian spots. Q-switched lasers that produce very short pulses work best. It takes multiple sessions to significantly lighten the affected areas.

Possible side effects include blistering, scabbing, and temporary discoloration. Lasers pose risks like scarring if not performed properly. It's important to go to an experienced dermatologist.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses a wand that sprays tiny crystals to gently "sand" the outer skin layer. This is less effective than lasers but offers a more natural looking result. Like lasers, multiple treatments are required.

Risks include irritation and increased pigmentation if the skin is damaged. Proper technique is vital to avoid complications.

Chemical Peels

Superficial chemical peels involve applying an acid solution to the skin to remove the darker pigmented cells. Like other methods, a series of treatments is needed over weeks or months to see noticeable lightening.

Chemical peels can sting and cause redness. In darker skin, they carry a risk of hyperpigmentation if not performed with care. Thus finding an experienced provider is key.

Caring for Mongolian Spots

While waiting for Mongolian spots to fade or undergoing treatment, here are some tips for caring for these birthmarks:

• Use mild cleansers and gentle washing to avoid skin irritation.
• Keep the area well-moisturized to maintain skin health.
• Use sun protection like clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• Avoid skin trauma like scratches or burns that can darken spots.
• Check for signs of skin infection like redness, swelling, oozing.

See your pediatrician promptly if you notice any unusual changes or signs of infection. This is uncommon but requires examination to be safe.

Outlook for Mongolian Spots

For most children, Mongolian spots are a harmless condition that slowly fades during early childhood years. In the majority of cases, no treatment is necessary.

However, consult your pediatrician if the markings are in unusual locations, appear infected, or you have any concerns. While very rare, sometimes lesions thought to be Mongolian spots can represent more serious conditions requiring evaluation.

For those seeking treatment for cosmetic reasons, be sure to go to a board-certified dermatologist experienced in treating deeper pigmented lesions in darker skin tones. Methods like lasers, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion can enhance the spots' appearance, but gradual lightening over multiple sessions is needed.

With proper education and care, Mongolian spots are a benign variant typically requiring no intervention other than reassurance for families.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.