What it means
Areas where pigment cells sit deep in the skin, most often over the lower back and buttocks. They are harmless and usually fade by early childhood. They are more common in babies with darker skin, including Asian, African, Hispanic and Native American infants. The older name is still widely used, but the medical term is congenital dermal melanocytosis.
For the nurse
Record their size and location at the newborn exam, so they are not later mistaken for bruises from injury or abuse.
At a glance
| Also written | Mongolian spot, congenital dermal melanocytosis |
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Related terms
lesion
An area of tissue that has been damaged or has changed from normal, such as a sore, wound, lump or spot.