When do café-au-lait spots usually appear in infants?
Jul 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
If café-au-lait spots are associated with conditions such as neurofibromatosis, they may gradually become apparent within 1 to 3 months after birth, with a relatively later onset. In such cases, the number of café-au-lait spots may increase or their size may expand as the infant grows, the color may also progressively darken, and they are often accompanied by other skin abnormalities. Continuous monitoring of these changes is necessary to promptly identify any issues.
Normally, infantile café-au-lait spots typically appear from birth up to three months after birth. If any abnormalities are noticed, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If café-au-lait spots are associated with conditions such as neurofibromatosis, they may gradually become visible within one to three months after birth and tend to appear over a longer period. In these cases, the number or size of café-au-lait spots might increase as the infant grows, and their color may darken progressively. They are often accompanied by other skin abnormalities, so continuous monitoring is necessary to detect any issues promptly.
Simple café-au-lait spots are often present at birth, falling into the earlier part of the aforementioned time frame, and appear over a shorter duration. These spots are typically light brown to dark brown in color, with relatively stable size and shape. They do not significantly change with age and are usually limited in number, causing no impact on health.
After identifying café-au-lait spots in an infant, it is important to monitor changes in their number, size, and shape. If there are more than six spots, excessively large diameters, or other abnormalities present, the infant should be taken to a healthcare professional promptly for evaluation to determine whether any underlying conditions exist.
