Have you heard of a Slate Gray Nevus?

Have you heard of a Slate Gray Nevus? Slate Gray Nevi are a type of pigmented birthmark found on many newborns, most often located on the lower back and buttocks. The spots occurs due to entrapment of melanocytes (pigment cells) in the dermis of the developing embryo, when the cells have failed to reach their proper location in the epidermis.

This birthmark is most common in infants of East Asian, Polynesian, Indonesian, and Native American decent. Slate Gray Nevi were previously referred to as Mongolian blue spots, however, this title is considered inappropriate and outdated and should no longer be used in the medical or newborn care community.

The marks are often present at birth but may also appear during the first weeks of life. They usually disappear by the about age 4, but they can remain into adulthood.

While seeing a birthmark that resembles a bruise can be startling to some new parents, its important to know that, most importantly, this birthmark is completely normal, totally harmless, and causes your little one no pain! The more you know!