Mongolian Blue Spots Overview
Learn About Mongolian Blue Spots
Dermal melanocytosis is 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.
Mongolian spots; Congenital dermal melanocytosis
Dermal melanocytosis is common 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.
Dermal melanocytosis is not 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 is sometimes mistaken for bruises. This can raise a question about possible child abuse. It is important to recognize that dermal melanocytosis is a birthmark, not bruises.
No treatment is needed when dermal melanocytosis is a normal birthmark. If treatment is needed, lasers may be used.
Spots may be a sign of an underlying disorder. If so, treatment for that problem will likely be recommended. Your provider can tell you more.
Cabot Medical Care
Joseph Shotts is a Family Medicine provider in Cabot, Arkansas. Dr. Shotts and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mongolian Blue Spots. His top areas of expertise are Fainting, Sciatica, Atherosclerosis, and Coronary Heart Disease. Dr. Shotts is currently accepting new patients.
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
Jay Kincannon is a Dermatologist in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Kincannon and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mongolian Blue Spots. His top areas of expertise are Lamellar Ichthyosis, Actinic Keratosis, Familial Multiple Nevi Flammei, and Stork Bite. Dr. Kincannon is currently accepting new patients.
Little Rock Dermatology Clinic P.A.
Matthew Kagy is a Dermatologist in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Kagy and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mongolian Blue Spots. His top areas of expertise are Seborrheic Keratosis, Warts, Intertrigo, and Actinic Keratosis. Dr. Kagy is currently accepting new patients.
Spots that are normal birthmarks often fade in a few years. They are almost always gone by the teen years.
All birthmarks should be examined by a provider during the routine newborn examination.
Published Date: May 31, 2023
Published 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
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