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hy are Mongolian spots so common in newborns? Do you know this wonderful background of "blue spots"
Mongolian spots are a common and easily recognized skin phenomenon in newborns, also known as blue spots. This kind of congenital benign birthmark usually has an irregular shape and colors include blue, blue-grey, blue-black or dark brown. It is commonly found on the lower back, buttocks, sides and shoulders. As we age, Mongolian spots generally disappear between the ages of three and five, and are almost no longer visible before puberty.
Causes of Mongolian spots
The cause of Mongolian spots is related to the location of melanocytes during fetal development. During fetal development, these melanocytes are supposed to migrate to the surface of the skin, but instead become trapped in the lower part of the dermis. This makes Mongolian spots particularly noticeable in the skin because these cells accumulate in the deeper layers of skin, creating the spots we see. It occurs equally in boys and girls, but due to its appearance, many uninformed parents may mistake it for a bruise, raising concerns about abuse.
Anthropological perspective
Mongolian spots have different interpretations in different cultures. French anthropologist Robert Guessin has conducted extensive research on this type of spot, and he has verified the existence of Mongolian spots in many ethnic groups and regions. He explored the condition of Mongolian spots in the Arctic and Native Americans, and provided a detailed description of their shape, color, genetics, and racial distribution. In addition, Danish explorers and doctors also recorded this phenomenon, and it is quite common in Greenlandic literature.
Prevalence of Mongolian spots
According to research, Mongolian spots are common among different ethnic groups around the world. About 80% of Asian newborns will have this kind of birthmark, and the proportion is also as high as 80% to 90% of some Latin American and indigenous children in the United States. Among these groups, the presence of Mongolian spots is seen as a natural feature of certain cultures. Research shows that among all white people, the occurrence rate of Mongolian spots is relatively low, only 5%-10%. However, among many African-American babies, the rate is as high as 90% to 96%.
Cultural terminology of Mongolian spots
Mongolian spots have different names and explanations in different cultures. In Japan, it is called "尻が青い", which means "blue butt" and is used to describe childishness or inexperience. In Korean mythology, it is explained as the god slapping the baby to promote its rapid birth. It is called "Mongolian spot" in Chinese and "mancha mongólica" in Spanish. In addition, this kind of birthmark was once looked down upon in society, but as time went by, the acceptance of Mongolian spots gradually increased and became a part of some local cultures.
Treatment of Mongolian spots
As a benign congenital birthmark, Mongolian spots usually do not require treatment and rarely undergo malignant changes. In most cases, the spots disappear on their own as the child grows, so there is no long-term concern.
Conclusion
The universality of Mongolian spots and the rich cultural connotations behind them have made people's understanding of these spots more three-dimensional. Whether it is its biological origin or its interpretation in different cultures, the Mongolian spot is always a topic worthy of further discussion. With the development of society, the acceptance of such birthmarks is also increasing. Does this show more tolerance for physical and cultural differences?
