The term “red moles” commonly refers to cherry angiomas (medically known as cherry hemangiomas or senile angiomas), which are small, bright red bumps representing a benign proliferation of tiny blood vessels. While harmless, many individuals seek professional removal for cosmetic reasons or due to irritation.
Understanding Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are vascular lesions composed of an abnormal cluster of small blood vessels (capillaries) just beneath the skin’s surface. This concentration of vessels gives them their characteristic bright, cherry-red color, though they can sometimes appear purple or dark blue. They typically manifest as dome-shaped papules, ranging in size from one to five millimeters in diameter.
These growths most often appear on the torso, arms, and shoulders. Their prevalence increases significantly with age, affecting over 50% of adults over 30 and rising to over 75% for those over 75 years old. While the exact cause is unknown, evidence points toward a strong correlation with the aging process and genetic predisposition. Environmental factors such as chemical exposure and hormonal changes are also thought to play a role.
When Is Removal Medically Necessary
Cherry angiomas are benign and non-cancerous, so their removal is typically elective and cosmetic. They do not require treatment unless they are frequently irritated, bleed excessively due to friction, or cause discomfort. Any new or existing red lesion that begins to change should be immediately evaluated by a dermatologist.
Medical consultation is necessary if the lesion exhibits features not typical of an angioma, such as rapid growth, irregular borders, or a change in color or shape. These changes are concerning because certain skin cancers, like nodular basal cell carcinoma or amelanotic melanoma, can mimic a vascular growth. A biopsy or professional examination is the only way to confirm a diagnosis and rule out a more serious condition.
Overview of Professional Removal Procedures
When removal is desired for cosmetic or comfort reasons, dermatologists offer several quick, safe, and minimally invasive procedures performed in an outpatient setting. The choice of method depends on the angioma’s size, location, and the patient’s skin type, with the goal of minimizing scarring. Local anesthesia is often administered to ensure comfort during treatment.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery, also known as electrodesiccation, uses a fine electrode to deliver an electrical current that heats and destroys the angioma tissue. The heat simultaneously cauterizes the blood vessels, preventing bleeding during the procedure. This technique is often preferred for smaller lesions and results in a small scab that heals over a period of days.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery involves briefly applying liquid nitrogen to the angioma to freeze and destroy the affected cells. The intense cold causes the lesion to blister and then scab over, eventually falling off within a week or two. Cryosurgery can sometimes lead to temporary lightening of the skin in the treated area.
Laser Treatment and Excision
Laser treatment, specifically using a Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), is often considered the preferred method, particularly for multiple or smaller lesions, due to its precision and reduced risk of scarring. The PDL emits a concentrated beam of light absorbed by the red pigment (hemoglobin) within the blood vessels, causing them to coagulate. This targeted destruction causes the lesion to fade over the following weeks. For larger or significantly raised lesions, a shave excision may be recommended, using a sharp blade to shave the growth flush with the skin.
Why Home Removal is Dangerous
Attempting to remove cherry angiomas at home using unverified remedies or physical methods like scraping or cutting carries significant risks and is strongly discouraged. Since angiomas are concentrated clusters of blood vessels, DIY removal attempts can result in substantial and difficult-to-control bleeding.
The non-sterile environment and improper technique greatly increase the likelihood of severe bacterial infection at the wound site. Furthermore, these amateur methods often result in incomplete removal, leading to recurrence, or cause permanent scarring and changes in skin pigmentation. A primary danger is the potential to misdiagnose a changing, malignant lesion as a harmless angioma, delaying proper professional diagnosis and treatment.