Red moles are common, small, reddish spots or bumps on the skin. They are typically benign, meaning they are not cancerous and generally pose no health threat. Understanding their nature can help alleviate concern.
Common Types of Red Moles
Cherry angiomas, also known as Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas, are a common type of red mole. These benign skin growths consist of clustered small blood vessels. They typically appear as small, round, light to dark red papules, from a pinhead to 4 millimeters. They can be flat or slightly raised and often appear on the torso, arms, and legs, increasing with age.
Spider angiomas, also known as nevus araneus or spider nevus, are another type of red spot. This vascular lesion has a central red spot with tiny, reddish extensions radiating outwards, resembling a spider’s legs. They result from dilated blood vessels near the skin’s surface, commonly found on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms. Unlike cherry angiomas, spider angiomas often blanch, or temporarily disappear, when pressure is applied, then refill when released.
Petechiae and purpura are red or purple spots, not traditional moles. They result from small blood vessels breaking and leaking blood into the skin. Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint red spots under 2 millimeters, while purpura are larger, purplish patches over 2 millimeters. Unlike angiomas, they do not blanch under pressure. They can appear as clusters, resembling a rash, and may indicate underlying conditions.
Factors Contributing to Their Appearance
Several factors influence the development of red moles. Aging is a significant contributor, with cherry angiomas becoming more prevalent after age 30 and increasing in number with age.
Hormonal fluctuations also play a role. Pregnancy, for instance, is linked to cherry and spider angiomas, likely due to elevated estrogen. These often resolve after childbirth or when hormone levels return to normal.
Genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of developing red moles; a family history often suggests a genetic link. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as bromides or topical nitrogen mustard, has been associated with the appearance of multiple cherry angiomas. Underlying medical conditions, including liver disease, can also be associated with multiple spider angiomas.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most red moles are harmless, certain changes warrant medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if a red mole changes in size, shape, or color. Rapid growth also prompts assessment.
Other concerning symptoms include bleeding, itching, or pain. If a red spot appears asymmetrical, has irregular borders, or displays varied colors, a dermatologist should examine it. These features, though more common with suspicious pigmented moles, can also apply to red lesions and warrant professional assessment.
Medical Evaluation and Removal
A healthcare professional typically begins evaluation with a visual inspection, possibly using a dermatoscope for closer examination. If diagnosis is uncertain or features are concerning, a biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination to confirm its nature.
For benign red moles, removal is often considered for cosmetic reasons or if the lesion becomes irritated or bleeds frequently. Several effective techniques are available. Laser therapy, particularly pulsed dye lasers, is a common method. It targets blood vessels with minimal surrounding skin damage, typically involves little pain, and can lead to shrinking or disappearance.
Cryotherapy involves freezing the red mole with liquid nitrogen, destroying tissue and causing it to scab and fall off. Electrocautery, or electrodesiccation, uses heat from an electric current to destroy abnormal tissue. For larger or raised lesions, shave excision may be used, sometimes followed by electrocautery to control bleeding. These procedures are generally performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthetic.