Mongolian Spot In Babies: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Mongolian spot in infants is also known by the term congenital dermal melanosis , which, incidentally, is often more appropriate. In general, it is a single, large, dark-colored spot that is usually located in the gluteal region. Fortunately, it is a benign condition that disappears over the years.
Along the lines that follow, you will discover its main features, as well as the diseases along with which, on rare occasions, this spot can manifest itself. Are you interested in knowing a little more about this subject? Keep reading!
What are the characteristics of the Mongolian spot?
The first time you notice this lesion, it can be mistaken for a hematoma, that is, the accumulation of blood under the skin, which is usually the result of trauma. This is mainly due to its violet or brown color and its great extension, which in many cases usually exceeds 5 centimeters.
Its surface is flat, with no increase in local temperature or swelling. Mongolian spot is also characterized by having somewhat diffuse borders (especially in black children) and by not generating obvious symptoms, such as pain.
It can appear both at birth and in the first weeks of life, so it is a disease that affects newborns or newborns, that is, during the first month of life. It usually appears in the gluteal region, although it is also possible to appear in the extremities or other regions.
Why does this lesion appear?
The origin of the Mongolian spot can be understood from its medical term, congenital dermal melanosis . Do you know what melanocytes are ? It is a type of special cell present in the skin of all humans and which contains melanin inside, the main pigment that causes differences in the skin tone of different people.
In fact, when these cells are destroyed as a result of an autoimmune reaction, vitiligo occurs. In this pathology, patches of variable size with very light color appear due to the progressive loss of these cells.
Melanocytes are usually located in the most superficial layer of the skin, called the epidermis . During embryonic development, some of these cells lie a little deeper in the dermis. When these cells don’t get out of there in time, it’s possible for this condition to originate, so it’s also called congenital.
Is it associated with other diseases?
Yes. Although the lesion itself usually does not have a pathological connotation, sometimes the pediatrician can perform special studies to determine the presence of other conditions. Some of them are as follows:
- Hurler’s disease: also known as type I mucopolysaccharidosis , is a congenital disorder of metabolism. Some molecules stop working and substances accumulate in various tissues, causing problems in growth and psychomotor development.
- Sturge-Weber Syndrome: is characterized by the appearance of hemangiomas (tumors that affect blood vessels) and is associated with other symptoms such as seizures and metabolic disorders.
Many of these diseases are considered rare, so medical diagnosis can be difficult unless multiple symptoms are manifested.
Can it be confused with other diseases?
Yes. There are several diseases within the group of dermal melanosis, as they have similarities in their appearance mechanisms, such as blue nevus and nevus of Ito .
Another condition that this disease can be confused with is neurofibromatosis. The main reason is that this disease manifests itself with various café au lait spots on various parts of the body and, over time, it can cause neurological complications.
Something very particular about the Mongolian spot, because of its similarity to bruises, is that it can appear to be a symptom of cases of child abuse. Obviously, this can lead to various conflicts, but in most cases – especially as the lesion takes much longer to disappear – a correct diagnosis is made.
Is the Mongolian spot treated?
Mongolian spot usually does not require specific treatment, as it disappears spontaneously over the years. Some healthcare professionals may recommend avoiding exposure to sunlight, and procedures (such as laser application) are often limited to cases where the stain persists into adolescence or later.
A common and striking injury
Although it is a benign condition, the recommendation is to see a pediatrician or dermatologist as soon as possible as soon as the lesion is identified, especially if there are unusual symptoms. It is not advisable to resort to natural products to treat this condition as it may end up making the situation worse instead of improving it.
