Red blood spots on the skin are common occurrences, appearing as small, discolored areas due to issues with tiny blood vessels. While often benign, these spots can sometimes indicate underlying conditions or become a cosmetic concern. Understanding their types, potential causes, and available professional treatments can help individuals make informed decisions about their skin health.
Common Types of Red Blood Spots
Cherry angiomas, also known as Campbell de Morgan spots, are bright red, dome-shaped or flat papules, typically 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter. These common growths consist of tiny blood vessel clusters, usually appearing on the torso and limbs, often in individuals over 30. Unlike some other spots, they do not blanch (lose color) when pressure is applied.
Petechiae are minuscule, pinpoint red, purple, or brown spots, each less than 4 millimeters. They are flat and do not blanch under pressure, indicating bleeding from broken capillaries beneath the skin’s surface. Petechiae can emerge anywhere on the body and are not itchy or painful.
Purpura are similar to petechiae but larger, measuring 4 to 10 millimeters, appearing as flat red, purple, or brownish patches. These spots also result from small blood vessels leaking blood under the skin and do not blanch. Purpura can resemble bruises and may occur on any part of the body.
Spider angiomas, also referred to as spider nevi, feature a central red spot with fine, reddish lines radiating outwards, resembling a spider’s legs. These lesions are caused by dilated blood vessels near the skin’s surface, frequently appearing on the face, neck, and upper torso. Pressing on a spider angioma causes it to blanch, with blood refilling from the center once pressure is released.
Telangiectasias, often called broken capillaries or spider veins, manifest as fine, thread-like red lines or patterns on the skin. They develop gradually and are most noticeable on the face, lips, nose, eyes, and fingers. These widened venules are a common type of vascular lesion.
Underlying Causes and Risk Factors
Aging is a factor in the development of various red blood spots, particularly cherry angiomas. The weakening of blood vessels with age can also contribute to conditions like senile purpura. Genetic predisposition plays a role, as some individuals may have a family history of cherry angiomas or telangiectasias. Environmental factors such as chronic sun exposure can contribute to the formation of telangiectasias and senile purpura by damaging blood vessels over time. Hormonal changes, notably during pregnancy or from hormonal birth control, can lead to increased estrogen levels, associated with spider angiomas and telangiectasias.
Physical trauma or repeated straining can cause petechiae, as seen after intense coughing, vomiting, childbirth, or heavy lifting, due to pressure rupturing tiny capillaries. Direct injuries can also contribute to the development of petechiae and telangiectasias.
Certain medical conditions and medications are linked to these spots. Petechiae and purpura may signal infections, blood clotting disorders, autoimmune diseases, or be a side effect of drugs like blood thinners or steroids. Spider angiomas can indicate liver or thyroid conditions, while telangiectasias may be associated with rosacea or connective tissue diseases.
Professional Removal Techniques
Laser therapy, particularly Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), is an effective method for treating many red blood spots. This treatment targets hemoglobin within blood vessels, converting light energy into heat to selectively destroy unwanted vessels while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy skin. PDL is highly effective for cherry angiomas, spider angiomas, and telangiectasias due to its precision and minimal scarring.
Electrocautery utilizes an electric current to generate heat, which cauterizes and destroys abnormal tissue and seals off blood vessels. This technique is suitable for smaller cherry angiomas and telangiectasias. A local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort.
Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to the red blood spot, freezing it at extremely low temperatures to destroy affected tissue. This method is commonly used for cherry angiomas, causing the treated area to blister and scab before eventually falling off. Multiple sessions may be necessary for complete removal, depending on lesion size.
Surgical excision is a procedure where the red blood spot is physically cut out using a blade, often including a small margin of surrounding normal skin. This method is reserved for larger, raised lesions or when a biopsy is required to assess for malignancy. Stitches are needed to close the wound after excision.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
While many red blood spots are harmless, certain changes warrant medical evaluation by a doctor or dermatologist. Rapid changes in a spot’s size, shape, color, or texture should prompt assessment. Unexplained bleeding or persistent itching from a spot also indicates a need for medical attention.
The sudden appearance of numerous new spots or widespread petechiae and purpura can indicate an underlying health issue. Seek medical advice if red blood spots are accompanied by other symptoms:
Fever
Unexplained bruising
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Joint pain
Unintended weight loss
Any general concern or uncertainty about a spot’s nature should also lead to consultation with a healthcare provider.