If you find small, persistent red spots appearing on your skin, you are noticing a common biological phenomenon. These growths are typically benign vascular lesions, formed from an overgrowth of tiny blood vessels. Understanding what these spots are, why they appear, and when they might require professional evaluation is the first step toward managing them.
Identifying the Common Red Mole
The most frequent type of red mole is known as a cherry angioma, Campbell de Morgan spot, or senile angioma. These growths are clusters of capillaries—the smallest blood vessels—that have dilated and multiplied near the skin’s surface. Their color ranges from bright red to purplish-red, a direct result of the dense collection of blood within them.
A typical cherry angioma presents as a smooth, dome-shaped, or slightly raised papule. They are generally small, often measuring between a pinpoint and five millimeters in diameter, though they can grow larger over time. Unlike some other red spots, they usually do not blanch when pressed due to their dense blood vessel structure. These spots are most commonly found on the torso, chest, back, arms, and shoulders, but they can appear almost anywhere.
Factors Driving Their Appearance
The appearance of these red moles is largely driven by the natural process of aging and genetics. Cherry angiomas are strongly associated with age, which is why they are sometimes called senile angiomas. The likelihood of developing them increases significantly after age 30; it is estimated that about 75% of adults over 75 have multiple angiomas.
This proliferation is related to the structural changes that occur in the skin’s microvasculature over the years. Blood vessels naturally undergo changes over time, and in the case of an angioma, this involves an abnormal multiplication of the capillaries. Genetic factors also play a considerable role in determining who develops these spots and how many appear. If a parent or close relative has a tendency to form many cherry angiomas, you are more likely to see them appear on your own skin.
Hormonal changes can also contribute to their development, acting as a trigger for blood vessel growth. For instance, some women experience an increase in angiomas during pregnancy, likely due to fluctuating hormone levels. While age and genetics remain the dominant factors, a sudden outbreak of many lesions (eruptive angiomas) has been linked in rare cases to certain chemical exposures or underlying systemic conditions.
When a Red Mole Requires Medical Attention
While the vast majority of cherry angiomas are harmless, any new growth on the skin should be monitored, as certain warning signs warrant medical evaluation. A typical angioma remains stable, but a rapidly changing lesion is a cause for concern. Seek medical attention if a red mole begins to grow quickly, develops irregular borders, or shows multiple colors, such as shades of brown or black.
Any growth that bleeds spontaneously, becomes consistently itchy, or develops a crusty surface should also be examined by a dermatologist. These changes can occasionally mimic other, more serious conditions, including a rare form of skin cancer known as amelanotic melanoma. A sudden, widespread appearance of many new red lesions should also be evaluated to rule out underlying systemic health issues. A dermatologist can use a specialized magnifying tool called a dermatoscope to properly diagnose the lesion or perform a biopsy if there is any doubt.
Cosmetic Removal Procedures
Since these red moles are non-cancerous, removal is usually performed for cosmetic reasons or because the lesions are easily irritated or bleed frequently. Several effective, minimally invasive procedures can be performed in a dermatologist’s office to eliminate the spots.
One common method is electrocautery or electrodessication, which uses a controlled electrical current to deliver heat directly to the lesion. This heat destroys the blood vessels within the angioma, causing the spot to dry up, scab, and fall off. Another option is cryotherapy, where liquid nitrogen is applied to the angioma, freezing the tissue. The targeted freezing causes the lesion to blister or scab, which then heals and clears the skin.
The third popular technique is Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) treatment, which targets the red color of blood vessels. The laser emits concentrated light energy absorbed by the hemoglobin, converting the light into heat. This process selectively damages the small blood vessels in the angioma, causing them to shrink and fade. Because these procedures are considered cosmetic, they are often not covered by health insurance.