Red Moles on Skin

The occurrence of small red moles on skin, also known as cherry angiomas, increases in frequency as the body ages naturally.

Start a monthly mole check.

Newly discovered moles can be alarming, especially when paired with a distinctive color. Most common moles are dark brown or black, so finding red moles on skin can be scary at first. Rest assured, there are many other symptoms to be aware of when screening your moles for skin cancer signs. Color, size and shape distinguish a potentially cancerous mole from one that is benign. Red moles, although not as expected, are often just a common indication of aging skin.

Cherry angiomas, medically known as Campbell de Morgan spots, can appear at any location, on both genders, at any age. There isn't a concrete reason why these spots occur, but it has been discovered that the frequency of cherry red moles increases with age.

Cherry angiomas vary in size and in color. Most cherry angiomas start at only one-tenth of a millimeter and are generally flat. As the mole increases in size, the cherry angioma may grow to be one to two millimeters in width and up to one centimeter in diameter. The color of a cherry mole may be bright, blood red or deep, dark purple. The small clusters of skin capillaries surrounding the mole are what create the red papule, also known as a "dome."

Although most red moles are harmless, their location or size may make them undesirable. Standard in-officemole removal procedures can remove the red papule, while a physician ordered lab biopsy will confirm whether or not the mole is benign.

Most red moles are benign and require no further treatment. But that doesn't mean you should stop practicing prevention. A monthly mole check will keep you aware of the size, location, and coloring of all of the moles on your body. In order to prevent the advancement of skin cancer, you should always check your moles and have them evaluated professionally by either a dermatologist or your family doctor if they meet any of the below criteria. The following symptoms are known as the ABCs of skin cancer:

• Asymmetrical: Moles that are different on both sides are known as asymmetrical. Asymmetrical moles should always be evaluated. Imagine drawing a line down the center of your mole; if it appears grossly different, have it checked professionally.
• Borders: Malignant moles have irregular and jagged borders.
• Color: Moles vary in color greatly. Generally, the darker the mole, the higher risk of it being cancerous. Keep watch on the color of your moles. If they darken over a period of time, have them checked out.
• Diameter: Lastly, the diameter of a mole may suggest malignancy. Most benign moles are no larger than a pencil eraser. If your mole is larger, or continues to grow, it's time to a book an appointment with your physician.

As we age, our body and skin changes dramatically. Although nothing can turn back the hands to time and prevent small changes such as red moles on skin, preventing further damage is always beneficial. Keep your body hydrated with water, exercise daily to increase circulation, and replenish lost moisture with night creams or lotion.

Keep check of your body's moles and when in doubt, see your family doctor. Any mole that suddenly bleeds, oozes or causes pain garners prompt medical attention regardless of the color or size.

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