The appearance of a small, bright red spot on the skin often raises questions about whether this “red mole” is a temporary occurrence. These lesions, while sometimes alarming due to their color, are typically benign growths. Understanding their nature, appearance, and underlying causes clarifies their prognosis and whether medical attention is warranted.
Identifying the Common “Red Mole”
The most common form of the lesion people refer to as a “red mole” is the Cherry Angioma, also known as a senile angioma or Campbell de Morgan spot. These are generally harmless skin growths composed of small, clustered blood vessels.
Cherry Angiomas typically present as smooth, bright, cherry-red papules, ranging in size from a pinhead to several millimeters. They are often dome-shaped, slightly raised, and their color comes from the dense collection of capillaries near the skin’s surface. While they can appear anywhere, they are most frequently found on the torso, arms, and legs. Pressing on an Angioma may cause it to briefly blanch, which helps distinguish it from other skin spots.
The Natural Course: Do They Disappear on Their Own?
Once a Cherry Angioma develops, it is considered a permanent vascular lesion that rarely disappears spontaneously. An exception may be those that emerge during pregnancy, which can occasionally reduce in size after childbirth due to shifting hormone levels.
They tend to persist and may gradually increase in both number and size over time, especially with advancing age. This means that “going away” is not the expected course for these particular red spots. The persistence of the lesion is directly related to its structure, which is a collection of blood vessels that does not naturally break down or get reabsorbed by the body after its initial formation.
Other temporary red spots on the skin, such as petechiae from minor trauma or certain temporary rashes, are caused by different mechanisms and resolve as the body heals. Because the Cherry Angioma represents a benign proliferation of blood vessels, it lacks the biological mechanisms for self-resolution. Therefore, if removal is desired, medical intervention is generally required.
Understanding Why They Appear
The formation of Cherry Angiomas involves a benign proliferation of small blood vessels, classifying them as vascular lesions. While the exact trigger remains unknown, multiple factors are strongly associated with their development. The most significant factor is the natural aging process, as these lesions become more common after age 30.
It is estimated that around 50% of adults will have at least one Cherry Angioma after age 30, with prevalence increasing to about 75% in individuals aged 75 and older. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, suggesting that a tendency to develop these spots can be inherited. Studies have also identified somatic missense mutations in genes like GNAQ and GNA11 within the lesions, which may contribute to abnormal blood vessel growth.
Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, are also linked to their emergence. Although less common, the sudden appearance of numerous Cherry Angiomas (eruptive angiomas) has been reported in association with certain medications or underlying conditions.
When Removal or Medical Consultation is Necessary
Cherry Angiomas are generally harmless and do not require medical treatment. When removal is sought, it is typically for cosmetic reasons or because the lesion is in a location where it frequently gets irritated or bleeds from friction. Common removal techniques are quick and target the blood vessels within the lesion. These methods include electrocautery, which uses an electrical current to burn and destroy the tissue, and cryosurgery, which involves freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen.
Vascular laser treatment, such as the Pulsed Dye Laser, is also highly effective as it specifically targets the red pigment in the blood vessels. All these procedures are usually performed in a dermatologist’s office.
A medical consultation is necessary if the appearance of any “red mole” changes rapidly or exhibits characteristics not typical of a benign Cherry Angioma. Warning signs include irregular borders, rapid growth, a change in color, or frequent bleeding. These changes warrant evaluation by a dermatologist to rule out a more serious condition.