{"id":26017,"date":"2025-03-02T18:00:46","date_gmt":"2025-03-02T18:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/?p=26017"},"modified":"2025-08-20T14:30:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T14:30:50","slug":"babys-mongolian-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/blog\/newborn\/babys-mongolian-spot\/","title":{"rendered":"Baby’s Mongolian spot: should you be concerned?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A baby’s skin is more fragile than that of an adult<\/strong> and may be prone to rashes. Sometimes, a bluish spot on the lower back<\/strong> of your child may appear. What is a Mongolian spot? Should you be concerned?<\/span><\/p>\n

Mongolian spot in babies<\/strong>: let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Mongolian spot?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A Mongolian spot<\/strong> is a pigmented mark<\/strong>, related to the pigments that color the skin, hair, and also determine your baby\u2019s eye color. It is a common (and harmless!) phenomenon<\/strong> characterized by a bluish or grayish discoloration of the skin<\/strong>, mainly located on the lower back or buttocks<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

These spots are the result of an accumulation of melanin<\/strong> (the pigments that protect from UV rays) in the epidermis, which distinguishes them from freckles or brown spots<\/strong>, which are caused by sun exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be careful not to confuse them with birthmarks<\/strong>. While both are present from birth<\/strong>, they are different in appearance and duration<\/strong> (Mongolian spots usually fade on their own, while birthmarks remain).<\/span><\/p>\n

Good to know: these spots can vary in size and shape<\/strong>, but they are generally uniform in color<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Baby's<\/p>\n

Causes and predispositions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Not all babies develop Mongolian spots<\/strong>. Here are some factors that may influence their appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Genetic factors<\/span><\/h3>\n

Melanin<\/strong> is one of the pigments that give skin its color, and its distribution can be determined by inherited genes<\/strong>. Indeed, skin pigmentation, including pigmented marks such as Mongolian spots, is often a familial trait<\/strong>. Genes play an essential role in determining skin color and can influence the appearance of specific marks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ethnic influence<\/span><\/h3>\n

These spots are more frequent in babies of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American descent<\/strong>. This prevalence can be explained by differences in melanin distribution and variations in the genes<\/strong> responsible for pigmentation. In addition, the spots are often more visible on darker skin<\/strong>, where melanin is naturally more concentrated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Baby's<\/p>\n

Diagnosis of Mongolian spots<\/span><\/h2>\n

The diagnosis and identification of a Mongolian spot<\/strong> is carried out by a healthcare professional (usually a pediatrician, doctor, or dermatologist) as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n