Table of contents:
- Mongolian spots are birthmarks on babies that are dark blue in color
- Causes of Mongolian spot birthmarks in babies
- Are Mongolian spots in babies dangerous?
- Is there any way to treat Mongolian spots?
About 80 percent of babies born have birthmarks that appear in all shapes, colors and sizes. If you see a birthmark on your baby that is a flat, dark blue-gray spot with an irregular shape, this means that the baby has a Mongolian spot. Is it dangerous?
Mongolian spots are birthmarks on babies that are dark blue in color
Source: Medical News Today
Mongolian spots are pigment-type birthmarks. That is, the birthmark is formed from the accumulation of melanocyte pigments (natural skin coloring agents) in a certain area of the skin while the baby's embryo is still developing in the womb.
A collection of melanocytes trapped under the skin will then produce flat patches of gray, greenish, dark blue, or black color. Although the color is similar to the bruises or bruises that usually appear after being hit by something, these birthmarks in babies do not cause pain.
Mongolian spots are usually 2-8 cm in size with a random, irregular shape, and are often found on closed body parts such as the buttocks and lower back, but can also be on the legs or arms. In medical terms, Mongolian birthmarks are also called congenital skin melanocytosis. Indonesians may be more familiar with the term "tompel".
Causes of Mongolian spot birthmarks in babies
Until now, no health expert knows for sure what causes the buildup of pigment under the skin.
However, the Mongolian spot is often found in dark-skinned babies such as the Mongoloid race (Asian people) and the Negroid race (African people).
Are Mongolian spots in babies dangerous?
Quoted from Healthline, birthmarks in babies are not dangerous and are not related to certain health conditions or skin diseases. Mongolian spots cannot be prevented, but will generally fade away on their own before the child enters adolescence.
In very rare cases, the Mongolian spot is large enough and extends, outside the back or buttocks area, can present as a symptom of a rare metabolic concomitant such as:
- Hurler's disease
- Hunter's syndrome
- Niemann-Pick disease
- Mucolipidosis
- Mannosidosis
You should also check with your doctor immediately if the birthmark changes in shape, color, or size. It could be a mole, a sign of skin cancer.
Is there any way to treat Mongolian spots?
Mongolian spots are not dangerous, so they don't really need to be treated. If you are in doubt, the doctor can periodically check the baby's birthmark spots to see if any abnormal changes have occurred that could point to symptoms of skin cancer.
Birthmarks can be removed surgically or via laser procedures if they interfere with appearance. Research published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery reports, birthmarks in infants are most effectively removed using alexandrite laser therapy procedures before turning 20 years of age.
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