Newborn babies do not always have flawless skin. Dry skin, peeling skin and acne are just a few of the “problems” these little ones may face. Mongolian blue spots, a bluish discoloration of the skin, may also cause worry among parents.
Birthmarks are common among newborns. But sometimes, they may raise concern among parents, especially if the birthmark has an unusual appearance or color.
This article will tell you about one type of common birthmark among newborns — Mongolian blue spots.
You will also know more about:
- What causes a birthmark
- Types of birthmark
- When to worry about a birthmark
What causes a birthmark
Birthmark ng baby. | Larawan mula sa iStock
Birthmarks are discolored and/or elevated patches of skin that appear at birth or within a few weeks of birth. Birthmarks are pigment cells or blood vessels that have abnormally formed.
Although the cause of birthmarks is still not determined, most of them are not dangerous and do not require medication. The decision is still up to you and some of the birthmarks can still be reported to the doctor, especially if:
- It is in the middle part of the back with the spinal cord, as it may be associated with a complication or pain in the spinal cord.
- Large birthmarks on face, head or neck.
- Disrupts movement. An example is if there is a birthmark or skin on the eye area of the face that may be affecting vision.
Types of birthmark
Here are different types of birthmark and what causes them.
1. Stork bites, angel kisses or salmon patches
It is a pink or red tiny skin or birthmark of the baby that is often located between the height of the lash and the upper part of the lip and the back of the neck.
The nickname “stork bite” comes from the skin on the back of the neck which comes from the legend that the “stork” took the baby.
The cause is immature blood vessels and usually appear when the baby is crying. Many of its cases disappear over time.
2. Strawberry Hemangioma
It is red in color with swelling and bulging parts of the skin. It looks like a strawberry. Hemangioma is formed due to small immature blood vessels. They are usually found on the head of the baby’s body.
It may not appear immediately after childbirth but is often seen after two months. Strawberry Hemangioma is most often seen in premature baby girls.
The type of baby’s birthmark that grows after a few months until it gradually disappears. It may bleed or become infected but disappear completely when the child reaches 9 years of age.
3. Port-Wine Stain
The port wine stain is a flat, red or purple birthmark. The cause is dilated blood vessels called capillaries.
It is often found on the head and neck parts of the baby’s body. It may be small or large enough to cover the child’s body.
Port-wine stains do not change color if pressed lightly nor do they disappear over time.
It can be even darker in color and thicker as the child gets older. Having port-wine stains on the face can be associated with more dangerous diseases.
Make-up or lipstick can be used to cover up small port-wine stains. The most effective way to treat port-wine stains is the laser. This is only done when the baby is older or of the right age.
4. Congenital Moles
These common moles are less than 3 inches in size and occur only in one in a hundred babies (1 out of 100 babies).
Its size increases as the baby gets older. But it usually doesn’t cause a problem. Consult a doctor to get tested more carefully because it can be a cancerous mole.
5. Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis or called Mongolian Spots
It is a blue skin or birthmark located on the back or buttocks of the baby’s body. It is most often seen in black babies from different races.
These spots are caused by the concentration of pigmented cells. It disappears after four years of birth.
READ MORE:
Rashes and pimples on baby’s face? 6 common skin conditions your newborn might have
Have birthmarks checked! Woman’s birthmark explodes because of her pregnancy
More about Mongolian blue spots
The spots commonly appear on a baby’s lower back and/or buttocks. | Image: Pinterest
Also known as slate gray nevi and formally known as dermal melanocytosis, Mongolian blue spots are a type of pigmented birthmark. They are bluish-gray in color, varying from a very dark blue to a lighter gray. The color is usually uniform over the whole birthmark.
Mongolian blue spots come in various sizes, but most are a few centimetres across without clearly demarcated edges. They are flat, not raised.
Typically, these birthmarks are present on the buttocks and/or lower back. Occasionally, they are found on a baby’s arms or legs.
They are usually present at birth, or develop soon after.
The spots commonly appear on a baby’s lower back and/or buttocks. | Image: Pinterest
What causes Mongolian blue spots?
When the baby is still in the womb, the cells that will eventually form the skin move to the surface.
According to medical experts:
“A particular type of cell called a dermal melanocyte moves to the top layer of the skin between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy.
“These dermal cells usually disappear by the 20th week of pregnancy. Doctors believe that Mongolian blue spots are the result of these cells not moving to the top layer of skin and not disappearing.”
And because these cells are trapped deep within the skin, the area takes on a blue-grey hue.
How common are Mongolian blue spots?
These birthmarks are common in children of Asian, Middle Eastern, African and Mediterranean background. It occurs in as many as three-quarters of children from these groups, say medical professionals. However, Mongolian blue spots are rare in children of European background.
This condition can occur in both genders. It is slightly more common in boys, although the reasons for this are not known.
Mythology around Mongolian blue spots
According to a Korean myth, Mongolian blue spots occur when a shaman spirit of childbirth — Samshin halmi — slaps the baby’s bottom so that he or she exits mommy’s womb!
In China meanwhile, these blue spots are known as “mark” (taiji). The story here is that when a baby is born, he or she gets a “spank” from God as a start to life.
And Japanese mythology has it that a Mongolian blue spot (known in Japanese as “asshirigaaoi” or “blue bottom”), is believed to be the result of mommy and daddy having sex during pregnancy.
Should you be worried about your baby’s Mongolian blue spots?
Seeing these birthmarks on a newborn might be alarming for parents especially since they resemble bruises. But rest assured that they are non-cancerous, not painful and present no health danger to your child.
Occasionally, the spots may be mistaken for the symptoms of a spinal condition known as spina bifida occulta. But, according to the Spina Bifida Association, these spots are reddish in color and not the distinctive blue-grey color of Mongolian blue spots.
Almost always, the spots fade away by the time your child is around five. Some take longer, generally disappearing during the teenage years. Speak to a doctor about possible options if they linger and your child is disturbed by them.
Sometimes, Mongolian blue spots may be associated with extremely rare ( fewer than one in every 100,000 newborns) metabolic problems such as mucopolysaccharidosis or gangliosidosis.
If your child appears to have Mongolian blue spots at birth, do get a doctor to confirm that they are indeed blue spots. Also, if you notice that the spots change color or appearance, you should consult a doctor without delay.
Why parents should take pictures of these spots at birth
Birthmark ng baby. | Larawan mula sa iStock
As mentioned earlier, Mongolian blue spots may look like bruises or “spank marks.” Concerned teachers or daycare providers may mistake these birthmarks as signs of abuse.
For this reason, parents should take pictures of these spots while their baby is a newborn. If he still has his Mongolian blue spots when he is older, it’s important to mention the presence of these birthmarks. If necessary, show the pictures too, to avoid any misunderstandings.
When to call the doctor
If you’re worried that your baby’s birthmark maybe something else, contact your doctor immediately, especially if the birthmark is:
- Located near the eye, nose, or mouth
- Has grown in size, color, or lumpiness
- An unpleasant or uncomfortable spot on the skin
- 6 or more cafe-au-lait places
- A huge congenital mole
Sources: Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, MedlinePlus, Healthline, gosh.nhs.uk, Hopkins Medicine, NHS UK
Featured image from Stanford Medicine (Janelle Aby)
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Singapore
Additional information by Margaux Dolores