Red moles can appear on your body with little or no warning. If you’re alarmed by their appearance, you’re definitely not alone, but you can take a deep breath and relax.
Most red moles, scientifically known as cherry angiomas, are completely harmless, so there is no need to panic if you see them on your skin. A cherry angioma is a non-cancerous skin growth made up of blood vessels and is characterized by a bright, red color and small size. These red moles can appear anywhere on the body, but usually develop on the torso. The exact cause of cherry angiomas is unknown, but they tend to be genetic.
They are most often seen in people over the age of 30. Cherry angiomas usually do not show any negative symptoms or side effects. However, they can bleed easily if scratched, cut or rubbed. But you’ll probably forget they’re even there – especially if they’re covered by your clothes – most of the time.
Currently, there is no foolproof way to prevent the formation of cherry angiomas. But, according to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s possible for a dermatologist to remove them for cosmetic purposes. Laser therapy is often the most successful way to completely eliminate them.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that cherry angiomas are not bad, so there is no great need to remove them for health reasons.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these marks are simply a sign of “maturity” as we age, and they appear more frequently as we age. But if your cherry angiomas have any complications, such as frequent bleeding or a sudden change in appearance, you should see your doctor. Always better to be safe than sorry!