You’ve probably had several moles or “beauty marks,” on your body. But have you started to notice a lot of red mole-like growths on your skin that were not there before? Do these worry you?
These red moles, better known as cherry angiomas, are common among adults and can develop in many areas of your body. Also referred to as Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas, these are considered the most common type of angioma – a benign tumor caused by an overgrowth of capillaries. It’s highly unusual for children to develop these noncancerous growths on their skin.
Cherry angiomas are most common among adults older than 30 years. The name comes from its red appearance due to a collection of small blood vessels inside these lesions.
What are the causes of cherry angiomas?
The exact causes of these red moles remain unknown. However, studies have pointed out that there may be a genetic factor, which makes some people more prone to developing these skin growths. Other possible causes include exposure to chemicals, the climate, a number of medical conditions, and even pregnancy.
Cherry angiomas are also commonly linked to age. They are more likely to appear among people aged 30 years old and above, and even begin to grow bigger in both size and number as the patient ages. In fact, one research revealed that over 75 percent of people over the age of 75 have them.
Should this be a cause for concern?
Most of the time, the development of a cherry angioma should not be a big concern, as they are almost always harmless. But if you’ve noticed a sudden outbreak of a number of these skin growths, consult an experienced dermatologist in Salem or any other place immediately, as these could be a different type of angioma.
Medical professionals strongly advise seeking immediate medical attention if the angioma starts to show any changes in appearance, size, color, or shape. These signs could be symptoms of skin cancer. If it bleeds and feels uncomfortable, go to a doctor immediately. While they may be harmless, others may prefer having them removed for cosmetic purposes. If this is the option for you, schedule an appointment with your chosen dermatologist and review the options presented to you.
Are there other skin growths that look similar?
A common mistake many people make is confusing cherry angiomas with spider angiomas, which is understandable considering both have the signature red mole. However, there’s one way to differentiate the two.
Spider angiomas have distinctive, reddish extensions that look like the thread in a spider’s web, which spreads out from the red spot. These types of skin growth lose their color when compressed. Although the cases are extremely rare, these spider angiomas could be a sign of a developing condition inside the body, such as liver damage.
Cherry angiomas won’t just disappear on their own once they’ve developed on your skin. However, it’s highly unlikely that they’ll cause you any issues. If it has been irritated or scratched, it may bleed once in a while. But once it changes in shape, size or color, you need to see a dermatologist right away.
