CLAIM:
Bluish-grey spots seen on a baby’s skin, especially on the back or buttocks, are a normal birthmark known as a Mongolian spot. These marks are harmless, require no treatment, and usually fade on their own as the child grows.
FACT:
True. Bluish-grey or black marks seen on newborns are commonly dermal melanocytosis (also known as Mongolian spots), a harmless birthmark caused by pigment cells trapped in deeper layers of the skin. They usually require no treatment and fade naturally in early childhood; however, experts caution that marks associated with pain, redness, swelling, rapid increase in size, or multiple unexplained bruises should be medically evaluated, as these features are not typical of dermal melanocytosis.
In a viral reel posted by Dr Imran Patel, a paediatrician, he highlights a common but often misunderstood concern among new parents - dark, bluish-black spots seen on a baby’s skin shortly after birth.
In the reel, Dr Imran explains the case of a 2.5-month-old baby whose parents had complained about bluish marks on the infant’s back.
He reassures viewers that the mark is a “Mongolian spot,” a type of birthmark that is extremely common in newborns. “It is present in almost every newborn baby. There is no need to worry about it,” he explains.
According to Dr Imran, these spots appear bluish because pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, get trapped in the deeper layers of the skin during embryonic development. “That’s why it looks bluish, as if something got stuck or hit,” he adds.
Emphasising that the condition is harmless, he clarifies that no treatment or medication is required. “This is a birthmark. No treatment is needed. These marks usually go away on their own in three to five years,” he says, noting that they are most commonly seen on the lower back or buttocks of newborns.
What is this bluish-grey mark?
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According to MedlinePlus, the medical information service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the bluish-grey mark commonly seen on newborns is medically known as dermal melanocytosis.
MedlinePlus describes dermal melanocytosis as “a kind of birthmark that is flat and blue, or blue-grey in colour,” noting that it usually appears “at birth or in the first few weeks of life.” The condition was earlier referred to as Mongolian blue spots.
The medical resource explains that dermal melanocytosis is more commonly seen among babies of Asian, Native American, Hispanic, East Indian, and African descent. The distinctive colour, it notes, results from “a collection of melanocytes in the deeper layers of the skin.” Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells that give skin its colour.
What are the symptoms of dermal melanocytosis?
Dermal melanocytosis is a benign skin condition and is 'not cancerous and is not associated with disease', according to medical sources. While the markings can sometimes appear extensive, often covering a large area of the back, they do not affect the baby’s health or skin function.
The condition typically presents as 'blue or blue-grey spots' most commonly seen on the back, buttocks, base of the spine, shoulders, or other body areas. These marks are usually flat, have an irregular shape with unclear edges, and the skin texture over them remains completely normal.
In terms of size, the spots may range from '0.79 to 3.15 inches (2 to 8 centimetres) wide or larger', depending on the child.
Dermal melanocytosis is sometimes mistaken for bruises, which can lead to concerns about possible child abuse. For this reason, it is important for caregivers and healthcare providers to recognise that dermal melanocytosis is a birthmark, not bruises, and document it early to avoid misinterpretation later.
Do these spots require tests or treatment?
No tests are usually required, as a healthcare provider can diagnose the condition through a physical examination of the skin. However, if an underlying disorder is suspected, the doctor may recommend further tests for evaluation.
Regarding treatment, Congenital dermal melanocytosis “does not require any treatment. The majority fade in childhood and in rare cases, they can persist into adulthood. If the patches do not fade and are causing distress, then options like skin camouflage can be considered.”
What experts say?
Dr Amit Gupta, Senior Neonatologist and Paediatrician at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, explained that Mongolian spots, medically known as dermal melanocytosis, are a normal finding in newborns and young infants.
“It is completely normal for babies to have bluish or greyish patches on the skin,” Dr Gupta said. “They are most commonly seen on the lower back, buttocks, shoulders, and sometimes even on the thighs. These marks are usually present at birth or appear shortly after.”
According to him, dermal melanocytosis is more commonly observed in babies with darker skin tones. “They are especially common in Asian and African populations,” he noted, adding that the condition is entirely harmless. “These spots are totally benign. There is no pain, no discomfort, and no side effects associated with them.”
Explaining why these marks appear, Dr Gupta said, “This happens because pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, get trapped in the deeper layers of the skin during development. That is why the colour appears bluish.” He stressed that it is “not an illness, but a part of normal growth and development.”
On how long the spots last, Dr Gupta said that they usually fade naturally. “As the child grows, most of these marks gradually disappear by early childhood, typically by four to five years of age. Very rarely, they may persist into adulthood, but even then, they remain harmless.”
He also addressed concerns about confusing these marks with bruises. “Mongolian spots do not increase in size, are not painful, and do not have swelling or redness,” he explained. “A bruise, on the other hand, is painful, changes colour over time, and usually appears in unusual locations such as the arms or legs.”
Dr Gupta advised parents to seek medical attention if they notice warning signs. “If there are multiple unexplained bruises, pain on touch, swelling, or signs of a bleeding disorder, it is important to consult a doctor. These features are not typical of Mongolian spots,” he said.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.