Final answer:
Mongolian spots are bluish-gray marks often present at birth, while bruises are caused by trauma and change color over time. Mongolian spots tend to fade with age and are benign, whereas bruises may manifest pain and tenderness. Medical evaluation is key in differentiating the two if there's uncertainty.
Step-by-step explanation:
To differentiate between Mongolian spots and real bruises, one must take into account their visual characteristics and the context in which they appear. Mongolian spots are usually present at birth or appear within the first weeks of life. They are flat, bluish-gray marks, often found at the base of the spine, buttocks, back, or shoulders. These spots typically have irregular borders and can vary in size. In contrast, bruises are usually the result of trauma and change color as they heal—from red to purple, to green, and then yellow—over time.
While Mongolian spots are benign and tend to fade as the child grows, usually disappearing by adolescence, bruises may be accompanied by pain, swelling, or tenderness. A significant factor in distinguishing between the two is the history of the mark and whether there was any known trauma that could have caused a bruise.
If there is any doubt whether a mark on a child's skin is a Mongolian spot or a bruise, especially if there's a concern of abuse, it is essential to seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.