Red moles on the body are a common skin occurrence that many individuals notice as they age. While their appearance can sometimes raise questions, most of these red spots are harmless and do not indicate a serious medical condition. Understanding what these moles are and why they might appear can help alleviate any concerns.
What Are These Red Moles?
The most common type of red mole is known as a cherry angioma, also referred to as a senile angioma or Campbell de Morgan spot. These benign growths appear as small, bright red spots, which can be either flat or slightly raised and dome-shaped. They are frequently found on the torso, arms, and shoulders, and their distinctive color comes from a collection of small, dilated blood vessels.
Less common but sometimes confused with cherry angiomas are petechiae, which are tiny, flat, pinpoint red spots on the skin. Petechiae result from small blood vessels breaking and are often associated with various medical conditions or medications. Another type is the spider angioma, characterized by a central red spot with fine, radiating blood vessels that resemble a spider’s legs. Spider angiomas typically appear on the face, neck, and upper chest, sometimes indicating hormonal fluctuations or liver conditions.
Why They Appear on Your Body
The primary factor contributing to the development of cherry angiomas is the natural aging process. These red moles often increase in number and size with age, becoming noticeable around 30. This age-related increase suggests a connection to changes in the body’s vascular system over time.
Genetic predisposition also plays a role in their formation, meaning they can be inherited. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, can also influence their appearance. New cherry angiomas might emerge during gestation, or existing ones could grow larger due to increased hormone levels.
While less common, certain medical conditions or exposures to specific chemicals have been linked to an increased number of red moles. For instance, spider angiomas can sometimes be associated with liver disease. However, for most people, the appearance of red moles is simply a normal part of aging and genetic inheritance.
When to Be Concerned
While most red moles are benign, certain changes warrant a professional medical evaluation. Rapid growth or sudden alterations in the size, shape, or color of a mole should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. Any red mole that begins to bleed without injury or develops a crusty surface also requires attention.
Experiencing pain or itching associated with a red mole is another sign that it should be examined. If multiple new lesions appear very quickly across the body, this might indicate an underlying issue. Furthermore, any red mole that looks significantly different from others on your body, often termed the “ugly duckling” sign, should be assessed by a dermatologist.
What You Can Do About Them
Most red moles do not require medical treatment unless they cause discomfort or are a cosmetic concern. If a mole is frequently irritated by clothing or jewelry, or if its appearance is bothersome, removal options are available. These procedures are typically quick and performed in an outpatient setting.
Common removal methods include electrocautery, which uses heat to destroy the mole, and cryotherapy, which involves freezing the mole with liquid nitrogen. Laser removal, often using a pulsed dye laser, targets the blood vessels within the mole, causing it to fade. In some cases, especially for larger or more atypical moles, surgical excision might be considered. These methods are safe and effective, primarily addressing cosmetic or irritation concerns.