Red moles are common skin growths that appear as small, bright red spots. Many are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. They arise from an overgrowth of small blood vessels and are often a normal part of aging or skin development. Understanding their different types helps distinguish between harmless spots and those that might warrant medical attention.
Common Types of Red Moles
Cherry angiomas
Cherry angiomas, also known as senile angiomas or Campbell de Morgan spots, are frequent types of red moles. These small, bright red to purplish bumps are typically dome-shaped or flat, ranging from tiny pinpricks to several millimeters. Composed of clusters of tiny blood vessels, they commonly appear on the torso, arms, legs, and shoulders, increasing with age. While the exact cause is unknown, aging, genetics, and pregnancy are associated factors.
Spider angiomas
Spider angiomas, also called spider nevi, feature a central red spot with fine reddish lines radiating outwards, resembling a spider’s web. They form from dilated blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. These lesions are often found on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms. They are frequently linked to hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or with oral contraceptive use, and can sometimes be associated with liver conditions, though they often appear without an underlying cause.
Petechiae
Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint-sized red, brown, or purple spots resulting from bleeding under the skin. Unlike other red moles, they do not blanch or fade when pressed, distinguishing them from a rash. They are caused by broken capillaries and can occur due to prolonged straining (e.g., coughing or vomiting), minor trauma, or certain medications. Widespread petechiae, especially with other symptoms, can indicate more serious underlying medical conditions.
Pyogenic granulomas
Pyogenic granulomas are rapidly growing, often solitary, bright red, raised lesions that tend to bleed easily. They can have a smooth or crusty surface and typically appear after minor skin injury or trauma. These growths contain many blood vessels and are common in children, young adults, and pregnant women, with hormonal changes playing a role in their development. Although they grow quickly, pyogenic granulomas are benign.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many red moles are harmless, certain changes or characteristics warrant medical evaluation. Any noticeable change in a red mole’s size, shape, color, or texture should be checked. For instance, if a spot becomes significantly darker, develops irregular borders, or grows rapidly, it requires examination.
Symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or pain associated with a red mole are also reasons to seek medical advice. A new red spot appearing suddenly, particularly in adulthood, or the sudden appearance of multiple new lesions, also warrants professional assessment. These indicators help ensure any concerning lesion, even if initially benign, is properly diagnosed and that more serious conditions are ruled out.
Management and Treatment Options
Most common red moles, like cherry angiomas, are benign and generally do not require treatment unless bothersome or for cosmetic reasons. If removal is desired, several methods are available:
Laser therapy, often using pulsed dye lasers, targets blood vessels within the lesion, causing it to shrink and fade with minimal damage to surrounding skin. This is effective for cherry and spider angiomas.
Cryotherapy involves freezing the red mole with liquid nitrogen, which destroys the tissue. It may cause temporary blistering or scabbing.
Shave excision is a technique where a raised lesion is carefully shaved off using a surgical blade, often without stitches.
Electrocautery uses heat from an electric current to destroy tissue, also used for removing benign skin growths.
If there is suspicion that a red mole might be more than a benign growth, a biopsy may be performed for definitive diagnosis. This involves taking a tissue sample for microscopic examination. Treatment decisions, including the choice of removal method, should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional after a proper diagnosis to ensure the safest and most appropriate approach.