Red beauty marks are common skin growths. These marks are generally benign and consist of small blood vessels. Understanding their different appearances, potential causes, and when to seek medical advice can provide clarity regarding these skin findings.
Common Types of Red Beauty Marks
Cherry angiomas are a common type of red beauty mark. They typically present as small, bright red spots that can be flat or slightly raised, often appearing dome-shaped. Also known as senile angiomas or Campbell de Morgan spots, they commonly develop on the torso, arms, and shoulders.
Spider angiomas get their name from their distinctive appearance. They feature a central red spot with tiny blood vessels radiating outwards, resembling a spider’s web. Spider angiomas are frequently found on the face, neck, and upper body. While often harmless, multiple spider angiomas can sometimes be associated with underlying health conditions.
Petechiae appear as tiny, flat, pinpoint red, purple, or brown spots. Unlike angiomas, petechiae are caused by small bleeds under the skin due to broken capillaries. They do not blanch or fade when pressed, distinguishing them from other red skin conditions.
What Causes Red Beauty Marks
The cause of cherry angiomas is not fully understood, but several factors contribute to their development. Aging is a factor, with these marks increasing in number and size after middle age, affecting approximately 75% of adults over 75. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, as they tend to run in families. Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, and exposure to certain chemicals like topical nitrogen mustard, bromides, and butoxyethanol have also been linked to their appearance.
Spider angiomas are often linked to hormonal fluctuations within the body. They commonly appear during pregnancy or with the use of birth control, where elevated estrogen levels are present. Liver conditions, particularly liver cirrhosis, are also associated with the development of spider angiomas due to their impact on hormone metabolism. In some instances, the cause of spider angiomas remains unknown.
Petechiae result from capillaries, the smallest blood vessels, breaking and leaking blood into the skin. This can occur due to various reasons, including physical straining from activities like coughing, vomiting, or heavy lifting. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood thinners, can also cause petechiae as a side effect. Additionally, underlying medical conditions like infections (bacterial or viral), clotting disorders, or autoimmune diseases may lead to their appearance.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Most red beauty marks, such as cherry angiomas, are benign and do not pose a health risk. However, certain changes or accompanying symptoms warrant a medical evaluation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if a red mark rapidly changes in size, shape, or color. Bleeding, itching, or pain associated with the mark should also prompt a doctor’s visit.
The sudden appearance of numerous spider angiomas, especially if accompanied by symptoms like yellowing skin (jaundice) or fluid retention, could indicate an underlying liver condition. Widespread petechiae without an obvious cause, or if they appear with symptoms such as fever, confusion, or difficulty breathing, require immediate medical attention. Consulting a dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance for any concerning skin changes.
Treatment and Management Options
For benign red beauty marks like cherry angiomas, removal is typically considered for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated or bleed frequently due to friction. Several procedures are available for their removal, often performed as quick outpatient treatments. Laser therapy, such as pulsed dye laser, effectively targets the blood vessels within the angioma, causing it to fade or disappear. Electrocautery, which uses an electric current to burn and seal off the blood vessels, is another common method.
Cryotherapy involves freezing the angioma with liquid nitrogen, leading to its destruction. Shave excision, where the mark is carefully shaved off the skin’s surface, can also be used, sometimes followed by electrocautery to manage bleeding. These procedures should only be performed by a qualified medical professional to prevent complications like scarring or infection.
Treatment for spider angiomas and petechiae often focuses on addressing any underlying medical conditions rather than directly removing the marks. For instance, if spider angiomas are linked to liver disease, managing the liver condition may lead to their resolution. Similarly, petechiae caused by an infection or medication typically resolve once the underlying issue is treated or the medication is discontinued.