Will Mongolian Spots Fade Away Over Time? Pediatric Insights

Q: Will Mongolian Spots Fade Away Over Time? Pediatric Insights

Hello： 1. <br>Mongolian spots are deep blue or purple macules that resemble bruises, commonly found on the skin over the sacrum (between the back and buttocks). <br>They are seen in approximately 90% of Black and Asian infants, and about 10% of Caucasian infants. <br>The cause is

Will the Mongolian spot disappear later?

Dear Doctor, my daughter just turned 8 months old.
She had some bluish spots on her back and buttocks at birth, and the doctor told us that these are Mongolian spots, which mostly occur in individuals of Asian, Black, or Native American descent, and are less common in Caucasians.
Will these spots fade over time or even disappear? What causes them? Could it be due to drinking tea and coffee during pregnancy?
Additionally, during delivery, the doctor used forceps to assist in pulling the baby out, which resulted in a slight fold in her left ear.
The doctor mentioned that the ear may have been folded while she was in the womb.
Will the shape of her ear return to normal over time? How long might that take? Thank you for your time and answers! I greatly appreciate it!

yen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/10/04

Dr. Huang Zheming reply Pediatrics

Hello: 1.
Mongolian spots are deep blue or purple macules that resemble bruises, commonly found on the skin over the sacrum (between the back and buttocks).
They are seen in approximately 90% of Black and Asian infants, and about 10% of Caucasian infants.
The cause is unknown, and they typically fade away by around four years of age.
For more details, please consult a dermatologist at a large teaching hospital.
Thank you.
2.
Irregularly shaped or bent ears in newborns are considered congenital abnormalities and may sometimes be associated with congenital heart disease.
To determine if the ear shape has returned to normal, please consult a pediatric specialist or an otolaryngologist at a large teaching hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2001/10/04

More Info

Mongolian spots, also known as congenital dermal melanocytosis, are benign blue or blue-gray marks that often appear on the skin of newborns, particularly on the back and buttocks. These spots are most commonly observed in individuals of Asian, African, and Native American descent, although they can occur in any ethnic group.
Will Mongolian Spots Fade Away Over Time?
Yes, Mongolian spots typically fade over time. Most of these spots will gradually lighten and may completely disappear by the time the child reaches school age, usually around 4 to 5 years old. The fading process can vary from child to child, with some spots disappearing more quickly than others. The reason for this fading is related to the natural maturation of the skin and the dispersal of the melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment) in the dermis, where these spots are located.

Causes of Mongolian Spots
Mongolian spots are caused by the presence of melanocytes in the deeper layers of the skin. During fetal development, these cells migrate from the neural crest to the skin. In some cases, they may remain in the dermis instead of migrating to the epidermis, leading to the characteristic blue or gray coloration. The presence of Mongolian spots is not related to maternal factors such as diet, including the consumption of tea or coffee during pregnancy. They are a normal variant of skin pigmentation and are not indicative of any underlying health issues.

Regarding the Ear Shape Issue
As for the concern about your daughter's ear shape due to the use of forceps during delivery, it is common for newborns to have temporary deformities in their ears or heads due to the pressure exerted during birth. This is often referred to as "molding." In most cases, the ear shape will gradually return to normal as the baby grows and the cartilage becomes more flexible.
The timeline for recovery can vary, but many infants see significant improvement within a few weeks to months after birth. If the ear shape does not appear to improve or if you have ongoing concerns, it is advisable to consult with a pediatrician or a pediatric otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). They can assess the ear's development and provide guidance on any necessary interventions.

Conclusion
In summary, Mongolian spots are a common and harmless condition that typically fades over time, and their presence is not influenced by maternal dietary choices during pregnancy. As for the ear shape, it is likely to improve as your daughter grows, but monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider can provide peace of mind and ensure proper development. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for personalized advice and support.

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