Mongolian spots tend to attract a lot of attention. In some cases, they could get parents into trouble. To help deal with this, it is important to understand what Mongolian birthmark causes are. Also of importance is to understand Mongolian birthmark meaning, their origin and if there is a need for removal. These will help mother and child deal with the spots in the most comfortable way and prevent embarrassment when people inquire about the same. In this post, you will get this information and much more.
Table of Contents
Mongolian Birthmark Causes
Given that Mongolian spots look like bruise marks, it is likely to wonder what the Mongolian birthmark causes are. Mongolian spots are a congenital skin condition. Each spot consists of a concentration of melanocytes. These are the skin cells that contain the normal skin pigment also known as melanin. How deep in the skin they are determines their color. Those close to the surface are brown while those that are blue or grey are rooted deep within and are found in the deeper layers of the skin.
Mongolian Birthmark Meaning
It requires one to have a clear understanding of this type of birthmark so they can have a way of explaining it to those who seek to know what happened to the baby. Just what does a Mongolian birthmark mean?
Mongolian birthmarks are either deep brown, dark blue or grey spots present at the birth of a child. Most of the time, the edges of the marks are indistinct. The marks appear on the back, buttocks, shoulders and legs. One child can have one or more birthmarks.
By the age of two years, Mongolian spots will have started fading away. They are usually completely gone by the time a kid gets to five years. In case they are still present in a child by the time they reach puberty, high chances are that they will be permanent. If a child has multiple or large spots that are located in an unusual place on the body, this is bound to happen. This happens rarely to an average of five percent of the whole population who have them. The rest tend to disappear.
Parents need not be worried about their children’s Mongolian spots since they will eventually disappear. To avoid being summoned for child abuse due to how they look like, it would be wise to file some pictures of the spot from the time a baby is small. This will help prevent social problems with authorities and people who may want to report you.
Of much importance is to also let your child know that they have these special marks. This will help them learn to live with them and also with peers who may want to harass them on the basis of these spots. Other times when it is important to talk about the spots is when changing daycare and at school if they are still present. Being proactive will ensure that the child is not subjected to any inappropriate inspections from concerned parties, as this would make them self-conscious.
Mongolian Birthmark Origin
The term Mongolian birthmark was gotten from the fact that these were first discovered in the original Mongolian empire which consisted of Asians, African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. These spots affect around 90percent of these populations. They are present at birth but may as well develop soon after birth.
In Japanese culture, the Mongolian spot has been incorporated in their idioms. One with it is said to have a blue butt which translates to inexperience or immaturity. In Korea, it is believed that people with these spots got bruised when a spirit to whom people pray during child birth beats the baby so they can get out of her mother’s womb.
Mongolian birthmarks are caused by a concentration of melanocytes beneath the skin. During embryonic development, some melanocyte cells become entrapped in the lower part of the skin as they migrate to the outer layer of the skin. Apart from posing social concerns, the spots are harmless and require no treatment since they fade away with time.
Mongolian Birthmark Pictures
Sample some images showing Mongolian birthmarks.
How common are Mongolian Spot Birthmark or Mongolian Blue Birthmark?
Mongolian spot birthmark is also referred to as Mongolian blue birthmark. This is in relation to the color it has which happens to be bluish as a result of the birthmarks stemming out from deep in the skin. The phrases represent the same thing.
These birthmarks are very common in children with a background from Middle East, Africa, Asia and
the Mediterranean. They occur in both girls and boys but are most common in boys. The spots are quite rare in children of European background.
Mongolian Birthmark Removal: Is There Need?
Like mentioned earlier, Mongolian birthmarks tend to disappear with time and are harmless. There is therefore no need for Mongolian birthmark removal. In case a parent feels a need to conceal the spot in times such as when the baby is going swimming or other times when they may expose the part that has the spot, cosmetic camouflage can be applied.
Cosmetic camouflage can be used by children of any age or sex. It is important to get a cosmetic camouflage appointment so as to learn how to mask your child’s mark with it. This normally lasts for an hour. One is also shown how to blend different shades so as to get a matching skin tone with that of the child. This gives one the required knowledge and boosts confidence in the application.
When applied on the neck and face, it will have to be removed every evening. However, if it is on any other part of the body as is common in Mongolian birthmarks, it can be left in for three or four days before removal and re-application. These creams are great as they do not get washed out when rained on, showering or during swimming sessions which is unlike makeup.
There are various cosmetic camouflage creams available in the market. These are more effective than ordinary makeup as they have a wide variety of shades. They are also lightweight which makes them blend in well with the skin. This makes them less visible.
In case one is not willing to take this, one could opt for laser treatment or surgical removal.
Further Suggested Reading
- White Birthmark on Hair & Stomach Meaning
- What Causes Birthmarks – Red, White & Strawberry Birthmarks on Babies
- What is a Vascular Birthmark? Treatment, Removal & Pictures
- Strawberry Birthmark Meaning, Causes, Pictures & Myths
- Red Birthmark on Face, Head, Arm & Neck of Baby
- Port Wine Stain Birthmark Cause, Treatment & Removal
- How to Get Rid of Birthmarks at Home & Naturally Fast
- Drew Brees Birthmark and Removal Surgery
- Different Types of Birthmarks on Babies (with Pictures)
- Birthmarks on Face Meaning, Causes & How to Get Rid of Them
- Birthmark Removal & Laser Birthmark Removal Cost
- Birthmark Meanings – Shapes, Location on Body and Spiritual Meanings
- Birthmark in Eye – Meaning and Celebs with Eye Birthmarks
- Best Birthmark Removal Cream with Reviews
If Mongolian birthmarks were 1st discovered in the original Mongolian Empire in 1206, in the 13th century and Christopher Columbus hadn’t yet “discovered” America until 1492, how could African “Americans” and Native “Americans” be considered part of that demographic?
I am a white Caucasian female. I am South African and always thought that I am from European descent. When my first child was born(his father also Caucasian) he had a Mongolian spot on his lower back. I might add that he is also dark for a white child with dark very curly hair and black eyes. I thought it was due to his difficult birth, but was told later on that it is a birthmark and indicates mixed race. I immediately thought it was on his dad’s side, as he had a very olive’y skin and very curly dark hair. But was supposedly from Dutch descent. I had my second child 7 years later from my second husband. He, also has a Mongolian spot. He is also olive’y skinned and dark eyes, but with very straight dark hair. He actually looks Asian. I only realized after my second son’s birth, that I have one too. It has faded but is quite visible still…I also have the second fold on one of my forearms(apparently also a sign of mixed race or Asian genes.) Add to that, dark reddish-brown curly hair and hazel eyes, but fair skin which tans easily. My oh my, what I will give to know what happened in my ancestry? Wish I knew where this comes from, I tend to agree with some other participant in these discussions, that many of us probably have very interesting forefathers? This makes life interesting. Or maybe I am just hoping it makes my ancestry interesting, but it is perfectly normal amongst Caucasians…….? Argh, I hope not, haha
I have also mangolian spot in my head
I always. Think that how can I remove this spot but I never concerned to doctor, plz suggest me, how I remove it., when my hair is longer., spot doesn’t able to see but when I ride bike then hair scattered. Then spot able to see