The gluteal and lumbar areas (the buttocks and lower back) were other places to find these markings on the infants. Regardless of age, 58% of the boys and 53% of the girls had the birthmark.
Another study was conducted in 2010 to determine the frequency and presentation of Mongolian spots. This was also done to assess if these birthmarks evolved with age. The majority of the 2,313 babies studied had a single patch measuring less than 5cm. At six months, 11.5% showed the birthmarks fading away while 13.1% had the spots disappear. At one year, 14.2% showed fading while 42.3% showed complete disappearance.
Multiple patches, extrasacral position, a size larger than 10 cm, and dark-colored lesions were markers of persistence beyond one year for these birthmarks.
Mongolian Spots as Errors of Metabolism
While doctors view Mongolian spots as benign, they may be markers of something more. A study from 2005 reported that many appearances of this birthmark could indicate possible congenital errors of metabolism. The errors of metabolism included mucopolysaccharidosis and GM1 gangliosidosis. Further study is encouraged on these particular birthmarks.
Key Takeaways
Mongolian blue spots are among the most common birthmarks in babies. They appear on babies regardless of race and culture, most often on the sacro-gluteal region, with shoulders being the next most frequent spot to find them. These usually appear less than 5cm in size and have irregular shapes.
There is no need to remove them because these birthmarks naturally fade away over time. Despite being the most common birthmark, these often do not last past one year on an infant. Larger or darker birthmarks may be more likely to persist, but even if they do, there’s no need for any worry. Mongolian blue spots are benign, and they have no harmful effects on your baby’s health.
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