Alternative Names
Mongolian spots; Congenital dermal melanocytosis; Dermal melanocytosis
Definition of Mongolian blue spots
Mongolian spots are flat, blue, or blue-gray skin markings that commonly appear at birth or shortly thereafter.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Mongolian blue spots are common among darker skinned persons, such as those who are of Asian, East Indian, and African descent.
Symptoms
Mongolian spots are noncancerous skin markings and are not associated with disease. The markings may cover a large area of the back.
Signs and tests
No tests are needed. Your doctor can diagnose this condition by looking at the skin.
Treatment
No treatment is necessary or recommended.
Expectations (prognosis)
The spots often fade in a few years and are almost always gone by adolescence.
Review
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. – 4/10/2009
