Red Moles on Skin
The occurrence of small red moles on skin, also known as cherry angiomas, can certainly be alarming. However, while they may seem unsightly, this particular type of mole is usually harmless. Find out more about what red moles are, how to determine if they are harmless and how they can be treated.
A Look at Red Moles
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 the skin can be scary at first. However, the fact that a reddish-color mole appears on your skin does not mean that you have skin cancer. Color, size and shape distinguish a potentially cancerous mole from one that is benign. Red moles are usually benign. They are often just a common indication of aging skin.
What most people refer to as red moles are actually cherry angiomas. According to MedLine Plus, cherry angiomas are common benign skin growths that consist of blood vessels. Medically known as Campbell de Morgan spots, these skin growths can appear at any location on the body, but most commonly appear on the trunk. They can affect men and women and are most common in people who are over 30 years old.
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 red, blood red or a deep shade of dark purple. The small clusters of skin capillaries surrounding the mole are what create the red papule, also known as a "dome."
Watch for Signs of Cancer
Although most red moles are harmless, their location or size may make them undesirable. However, 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.
- 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.
Treating Red Moles on Skin
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.If there is any concern that a mole on your skin might be cancerous, see your physician and have it removed if the doctor recommends that you do so.
Even if skin cancer is not a possibility, you may want to have any red moles that appear removed from your skin for cosmetic purposes. Dermatologists typically perform in-office mole removal procedures using a localized anesthetic. When doctors remove a mole, they typically order a lab biopsy to confirm whether or not the mole is benign.
Nurture the Changes
Skin can change dramatically with age. Although nothing can turn back the hands to time and prevent small changes such as red moles on the 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.
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