These birthmarks can sometimes be mistaken for bruises and raise questions about child abuse. Put your mind at rest and learn what the health professional should already know.

Mongolian blue spots also known as congenital dermal melanocytosis are flat bluish or bluish-gray skin markings that commonly appear on babies at birth or shortly thereafter.

They are particularly common among darker-skinned children, such as Asian, African and those from mixed-race parentage.

The spots appear as dark blue lesions with unclear borders and irregular shapes. They can normally be found at the base of the spine, on the buttocks and back but they have been known to appear on other areas of the body such as the face and shoulders.

Occasionally, Mongolian blue spots are mistaken for bruises and questions about child abuse arise. It is important to recognise that Mongolian blue spots are birthmarks, NOT bruises.

Most health workers are now aware of the markings and questions of child abuse should not arise. If they do then calmly inform the health worker that you believe the markings to be Mongolian blue spots but are happy for a doctor to verify that fact. Examination of the skin is sufficient to determine that the marked areas are Mongolian blue spots. No testing is necessary.

Mongolian spots are benign skin markings and are not associated with any conditions or illnesses. No treatment is necessary as they are not painful or dangerous. The bluish discoloration often fades in a few years and is almost always gone by adolescence.

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