Mongolian Spots

I've been thinking about Mongolian spots lately. I don't know why....odd thing to think about, isn't it?

Mongolian spots are irregularly-shaped bluish, slate-gray, or dark brown birthmarks common in Asian, African-American, Native-American, among other, races. At least one Mongolian spot is present on over 90% of Native Americans and people of African descent, over 80% of Asians, over 70% of Hispanics,and people of African descent, over 80% of Asians, over 70% of Hispanics, and just under 10% of fair-skinned infants (Clinical Pediatric Dermatology, 1993). Despite the name, Mongolian spots have no known anthropologic significance, except for being more common in darker-skinned infants.

Mongolian spots are mostly located on the lower back and buttocks, but can occur anywhere on the body. Here's what I mean:

Mongolian spots are present at birth, and most of them fade (at least somewhat) by age two. Most have completely disappeared by age five. If Mongolian spots remain at puberty, they are likely to be permanent. Fewer than five percent of children with Mongolian spots still have any by adulthood. Those who do tend to be the ones with multiple, widespread spots, or with spots in unusual locations.

I think that, as an adoptive parent, I will ask my pediatrician to document any Mongolian spots that Kaelie may have and to educate those around her (day-care provider, church nursery workers, etc.) about this harmless condition in order to prevent charges of child abuse or neglect.

Credit: www.drgreene.com