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A red mole, or angioma.

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
 
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A red mole belongs to the group of vascular tumors that form from blood or lymphatic vessels.

The size of the skin formation varies from a barely noticeable point to a large spot, which is determined by the depth of the mole. This type of neoplasm is an overgrown and merged small capillaries. Benign tumors of pink/red color have a flat shape or rise above the epithelium.

Depending on the composition of the tissue, the cause of occurrence, and the location in the layers of the skin, a red mole can be of several types:

  • "nodular" - a point formation indicating the exit of a blood vessel to the surface of the skin. There are no capillary branches around the mole;
  • "pineal" - a neoplasm that sharply protrudes above the skin;
  • "branched" ("spider-shaped", "star-shaped") - a series of blood vessels extends from the mole;
  • flat type - a formation on the surface of the skin in the form of a plaque.

A common feature of red moles is that when pressed slightly, they turn pale and then return to their original shade.

What are red moles called?

The medical name for a red birthmark is angioma. If the formation consists not of blood vessels, but of lymphatic vessels, it is called lymphangioma. In turn, a true angioma is divided into simple and cavernous tumors.

A simple red birthmark (hypertrophic/capillary) or birthmark is localized mainly on the face (forehead, cheeks), it can reach the size of a palm. The color of the formation is affected by the location of the angioma, which is detected in the capillary (pinkish/red), arterial (bright red) or venous (bluish/purple) layer.

The locations of cavernous angiomas are under the skin or on internal organs (usually the liver in elderly patients). The purple-blue nodes consist of spongy cavities filled with blood. When palpated, they are determined by a bumpy surface with soft-elastic contents, as well as a temperature asymmetry syndrome (the mole is hotter than the surrounding tissues).

What are red birthmarks of newborns called? The term hemangioma was introduced for benign formations in babies. Such tumors usually disappear on their own during the growth and development of a small organism. No more than 12% of birthmarks are subject to removal.

Causes of Red Moles

The appearance of angioma can be provoked by excessive use of solariums and prolonged exposure to sunlight. However, there are no facts confirming such a statement.

Possible causes of red moles on the body of adult patients:

  • changes in hormonal levels;
  • gastrointestinal problems (especially pathologies of the pancreas and liver);
  • cardiovascular diseases;
  • hereditary factor;
  • lipid metabolism disorders;
  • dysfunctions of skin pigmentation.

Most often, red moles are congenital in nature or indicate the presence of hidden pathological processes in the body. To identify the root cause of a benign neoplasm, the patient will have to take tests and undergo a thorough examination of the internal organs. If necessary, histological tests are performed to exclude cancer. The decision on the need to remove the angioma is made by a doctor.

Why do red moles appear?

Angiomas form at any age. Modern medicine has no answer to the question: "Why do red moles appear?" Benign tumors are mostly harmless, for this reason they have been little studied.

The development of red birthmarks in newborn girls is detected more often than in male infants. Hemangiomas are detected both on the skin and in the subcutaneous tissue. Lymphangiomas, which are painful swellings, are located in areas with regional lymph nodes - the neck, tongue, lips, armpits and groin. A complication of lymphangioma can be suppuration.

There is an assumption that a red mole is the result of an autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Henoch-Schonlein disease, etc.). Due to such pathologies, the immune system perceives the body's cells as foreign and tries to suppress their vital activity.

Angioma may indicate a blood clotting disorder. In this case, the mole forms over the bleeding site. Red dots form in the case of nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums.

Red birthmarks in children

Birthmarks often appear on a child from the moment of birth. The formations of babies are divided into groups:

  • small diameter – 0.5-1.5 cm;
  • medium size – 1.5-10 cm;
  • large neoplasms – over 10 cm.

Small red birthmarks in children are absolutely safe and often resolve on their own as the baby grows. Large neoplasms require attention and consultation with a dermatologist, and sometimes an oncologist.

There are moles that must be removed. Such situations include: rapid growth, large size and unfavorable location of the mole. Removal is carried out by laser therapy only for emergency indications, including:

  • itching;
  • bleeding;
  • peeling;
  • damage to a mole;
  • changes in color and size.

The postoperative period is of particular importance, during which all recommendations of the attending physician should be followed. In addition to a gentle regimen and taking prescribed medications, the child's skin must be protected from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

The main thing is not to self-medicate, which often leads to injury to the mole, infection and suppuration. The danger of home treatment is also possible bleeding due to careless handling.

Red moles during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many changes. Hormonal changes often affect the skin: pigments, redness of areas of the epidermis, pimples, itchy skin, hanging moles - all this can be found in a pregnant woman.

Vascular changes lead to the formation of angiomas in the face, neck, chest and upper limbs. Red birthmarks during pregnancy differ in shape, structure and shade. They can be flat, swollen, ornate, etc. Often a series of capillaries is seen, extending from the red nodule to the sides. Such formations are called hemangioma or spider-like birthmark.

There is no need to worry about such neoplasms, most of them disappear without a trace or become lighter after the baby is born. But you should not ignore your skin either. Monitor the slightest change in color, rapid increase in red spots. Localization of a large angioma in an area of increased friction with clothing may require its immediate removal to prevent possible damage and bleeding.

Sometimes a red mole is discovered during breastfeeding. Self-resorption of the neoplasm is possible when the hormonal background is established. If the mole does not interfere, does not cause discomfort and does not tend to increase, then it is absolutely safe. If you have any doubts, consult a dermatologist.

Where does it hurt?

Red raised moles

A red mole can be flat, resembling a spot, or in the form of a nodule. The size of a benign formation varies from a small point to an area covering the entire limb. Most of these neoplasms are harmless and often resolve on their own over time.

Red convex moles are formed when a blood vessel is damaged. Pressing on the formation causes a feeling of compression. The development of a convex type of angiomas occurs when:

  • hormonal imbalances;
  • ultraviolet radiation;
  • dysfunctions of the pancreas.

In cases where a mole causes discomfort (for example, it is located on the body where it can be easily damaged), causes complexes (a large spot is located on the face) or rapid growth of the neoplasm is noted, then it is better to remove such an angioma. Large red convex moles are dangerous due to bleeding when injured and infection. Patients with such formations should consult a dermatologist.

Red hanging moles

A pedunculated, deep red formation consisting of a large number of easily injured vessels is called botryomycoma or pyogenic granuloma. The benign type of neoplasm is characterized by:

  • rapid development (in a couple of months);
  • elevation above the skin;
  • areola from the hyperemic ridge;
  • presence of bleeding;
  • size up to 1 cm in diameter;
  • uneven surface (with lobes, papillae, etc.).

In small children, red hanging moles develop as a result of mechanical damage. In adolescence, they are most often found on the toes or fingers. The location of botryrhmycoma on the palm interferes with everyday life, and its accidental injury entails profuse bleeding. For this reason, surgical removal of the formation or laser therapy is required. Small red hanging moles on a narrow stalk can be treated with cauterization with liquid nitrogen and silver nitrate solution. Neoplasms with a wide stalk give the most relapses with insufficiently deep excision of pathological tissues.

Often the disease occurs with the addition of staphylococci and other microflora. To eliminate the infection, "benzylpenicillin" and "klacid" are used.

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Bright red mole

An angioma or bright red mole is formed as a result of the proliferation of blood vessels. A benign formation occurs due to a malfunction of the circulatory/lymphatic system. Externally, they look like small convex cells of a rich red hue, blurry spots of a decent size or cone-shaped growths the size of a pea. Often, this type of neoplasm, which is a cluster of blood capillaries, is found in infants. Upon visual inspection, you can see small branches of the vascular bed from the mole itself. Such an angioma is called spider-shaped/star-shaped.

The bright red mole is localized at the level of the capillary area, which determines its color. Doctors associate the detection of angiomas in adulthood with hormonal changes in the body, dysfunction of the liver or pancreas. Determining the underlying cause of angioma development is a complex and painstaking process, including a thorough examination of all body systems.

Dermatologists do not recommend getting rid of moles at home, as self-medication can cause bleeding and infection. A competent specialist will help solve the aesthetic defect with modern, innovative methods.

Red moles on the body

Red moles on the body are companions of childhood and adolescence, when the body undergoes changes in the hematopoietic system. Tumor disease also occurs in adulthood with vascular dysfunction, often during pregnancy.

Angiomas are formed mainly on the capillary blood vessel area, which causes the pink or red color of the formation. The capillaries that have merged together are located on any part of the body.

Red moles can be single or multiple. The neoplasms have no symptoms, they do not hurt, and do not pose a threat to health. You should contact a specialist when a rapid growth of angioma is noted, pain syndrome appears, or bleeding begins. You should not get rid of a mole on your own, the use of traditional medicine can become an impetus for active division of blood cells. As a result of self-treatment, a red mole from a small dot grows into a huge crimson spot.

Red moles on the head

The location of a mole in the head area is considered unfavorable. This is due to the possibility of damaging the formation when combing, drying with a hair dryer, or during a haircut.

Angiomas that do not make themselves known, are small in size, can remain unnoticed and disappear as suddenly as they appeared. Dermatologists recommend removing convex or large red moles on the head, which are easy to injure and thus cause bleeding. In addition to bleeding, damage to the integrity of the angioma causes negative consequences in the form of infection and subsequent suppuration.

Red moles on the head are removed by laser therapy. Of all the variety of lasers, the so-called vascular laser is used. The procedure is characterized by minimal pain, speed of implementation, and also eliminates the occurrence of scars. In some cases, cauterization of the neoplasm with liquid nitrogen or treatment with sclerotherapy are possible. If the cause of the formation of the mole is a hormonal imbalance, the doctor can prescribe a course of hormone therapy.

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Red moles on the face

A red birthmark on the face is considered a cosmetic defect, often developing into an inferiority complex. It is one thing if a small, barely noticeable dot appears, which you yourself can hardly distinguish. But the presence of a huge flat spot or a convex knot on half of the face is a real disaster.

Angiomas are formed at three skin levels: capillary, venous and arterial, which affects the methods of removing a birthmark. Dermatologists get rid of hated formations with laser therapy, which leaves no traces after treatment. However, it is not advisable to remove deep red birthmarks on the face in this way, since the laser affects the upper layer of the epithelium. The cells of the birthmark located under the treated area begin active division, and the spot appears on the skin again. Self-medication can not only increase the size of the angioma, but also make its color brighter, change the shape of the pathological focus.

Angiomas in the facial area often form in infants, teenagers, and pregnant women. Red pigments on a child's face can disappear on their own as the baby grows up. The same applies to women expecting a baby; after the baby is born, the red spots gradually dissolve.

If the hated stain bothers you and makes you feel inferior, then contact a specialist who will help you solve your specific problem.

Red moles on chest

In the chest area, capillary hemangiomas most often develop, which form from dilated capillaries, or punctate angiomas, which are a “bulging” of a capillary onto the surface of the skin.

A red birthmark in a baby may be a consequence of infectious diseases suffered by the mother. Mature patients should be examined for chronic hidden pathological processes. In case of angioma growth, the doctor will recommend a tissue biopsy. The main task of the dermatologist is to establish the cause of red birthmarks. For this purpose, referrals to a gastroenterologist, neurologist, endocrinologist are issued.

Red moles on the chest are subject to removal if:

  • rapid growth and change in color of the formation are noted;
  • the angioma is located in a place of active friction against clothing;
  • the mole causes aesthetic discomfort;
  • the neoplasm was damaged and bleeding began;
  • there is pain or another unpleasant sensation.

The need for excision of moles in children under 5-7 years of age is determined by the attending physician based on existing complaints and examination results.

Red moles on hands

Problems with blood circulation, the presence of hidden pathological processes in the body, a congenital factor - all this affects the development of angiomas. Looking at yourself in the mirror, you can accidentally find one small pink spot or a whole group of neoplasms. According to experts, there is no need to panic, since angiomas rarely develop into malignant tumors and do not cause any harm.

Red moles are often found on the arms, face, legs, and chest area. Most often, angiomas are only a cosmetic defect that appears in early childhood, puberty, or adulthood. Neoplasms are removed if: active growth is observed, the mole occupies a large area of the skin surface, bleeding occurs from the formation, the mole causes discomfort or changes its color.

In any case, the appearance of a red mole should not be ignored. It is best to visit a dermatologist, who, based on the results of the examination and additional studies, will prescribe competent treatment.

Red vascular birthmarks

Telangiectasia is a medical term that unites pathological formations of a vascular nature (spider webs, mesh, rosacea, moles, etc.). Such red neoplasms often form on the face, but are also found on other parts of the body. The formations become noticeable when their diameter increases. Causes of telangiectasia:

  • hereditary factor;
  • bearing a child and giving birth;
  • chronic processes, especially the presence of hypertension and liver problems;
  • excessive physical exertion;
  • frequent visits to saunas and baths;
  • addiction to alcohol.

Star-shaped angiomas or red vascular birthmarks are a special case of telangiectasia. The main feature of such birthmarks is the vertical location of the expanded blood vessel (capillary, vein or artery) to the skin, so externally such a formation has the form of a point, spot or nodule.

In children, vascular birthmarks are formed as a result of abnormalities in the development of the vascular bed. Often, babies have congenital vascular defects: capillary hemangiomas and angiodysplasia (birthmarks). In adulthood, the provocateurs of the appearance of red vascular birthmarks are chronic liver disease, excessive exposure to the sun, increased estrogen levels, etc.

The growth of an angioma is accompanied by a red elevation in the form of a dome above the skin surface and a branch of a series of small capillaries from it. Visually, such a mole looks like a spider and is called arachnoid/star-shaped.

A red mole of the vascular type is removed using a laser, which allows selective action on the vessels without affecting healthy tissue.

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Why are red moles dangerous?

The appearance of a small reddish spot on the skin often remains unnoticed. It is inattention that leads to consequences in the form of tumor growth. The problem of a red mole, if it has not resolved on its own, is best not to let it slide. Despite the fact that angiomas rarely transform into malignant tumors, treatment should not be postponed for later.

What is dangerous about red moles? Being a blood bundle, these tumor neoplasms threaten bleeding if they are mechanically damaged. Particular attention should be paid to angiomas located in areas of increased friction with clothing - chest, shoulders, abdominal area, neck. Moles on the scalp are also subject to high trauma. Constant combing, using a hair dryer, cutting hair - are dangerous factors that result in accidental injury to the mole.

A single red mole or a scattering of formations on the body is a signal from the body about internal age-related changes, hormonal disruptions, gastrointestinal dysfunctions. In case of mass development or rapid increase in size of angiomas, consult a specialist.

What to do if a mole turns red?

Redness and swelling of a mole is observed when it is damaged. In addition to injury, a change in the color of a mole occurs as a result of certain diseases.

What to do if a mole turns red? If a birthmark turns red, changes in shape, or causes discomfort, you must see a doctor. You must undergo an examination, rule out the presence of malignant cells, and make sure that it is advisable to remove the mole.

Traditional medicine does not recommend solving the problem on your own, getting under the skin or checking the recipes of folk healers. At a minimum, home treatment threatens infection with an inflammatory process, and at a maximum, the growth of the pathological focus, the treatment of which will require more time and effort.

A red mole that bleeds and causes pain is cauterized, removed with a laser beam or radio knife. Only a doctor can prescribe a treatment method based on the results of the examination and additional diagnostics.

What to do if many red moles appear?

Medicine does not indicate the exact causes of angiomas. Among the assumptions are: puberty, hormonal changes, congenital factors. Red moles develop in the form of single nodules or a whole scattering of scarlet dots. There is no need to be afraid of such neoplasms, which indicate problems with the blood supply system. When convex or flat angiomas appear, it is necessary to monitor their condition.

What to do if many red moles appear? Multiple angiomas on the body are signals of possible pathology of internal organs, metabolic disorders, etc. Most often, red dots cause purely cosmetic discomfort, but it is still worth consulting a dermatologist. The question of removing formations is considered individually. Indications for surgical intervention will be: active growth of a mole, change in shape and color, detachment and aesthetic dissatisfaction (for example, multiple spots on the face).

What to do if a red mole itches?

A red mole may start to itch. In this case, do not grab any sharp objects at hand, do not use your nails to relieve your condition. Damage to an angioma is dangerous due to bleeding, which is not easy to stop. If you absolutely cannot stand it, cover the formation with your fingertip and gently massage it in a circular motion. Sometimes a vinegar compress can help. If the integrity of the formation is damaged, treat the injured area with hydrogen peroxide.

What to do if a red mole itches? Of course, the presence of itching is an unfavorable symptom that requires a specialist consultation, foreshadowing a restructuring at the cellular level. The addition of pain syndrome to the itching, a change in the shade and shape of the angioma may indicate the presence of cancer cells. A competent dermatologist will refer you to donate blood to determine the level of hormones and to a consultation with an oncologist with a mandatory histological examination.

The decision to treat or remove a mole is made based on the results of examination, tests, and the individual course of the pathological process.

What to do if you tore off a red mole?

Accidental damage to a red mole can cause bleeding, possible infection, and suppuration. What should you do if you have torn off a red mole? First, treat the birthmark with hydrogen peroxide, then cauterize it with alcohol or brilliant green. Some cases require holding a cotton pad with peroxide or a gauze bandage on the site of damage for 10-15 minutes. Secondly, go to a dermatologist who will assess the condition of the damaged angioma and prescribe the necessary treatment. Remember that an injured red mole can not only bleed for a long time, but also begin to increase in size.

If the angioma has been completely removed, take it with you to the hospital for histological analysis. If necessary, the doctor may recommend removing the mole in a way that is most suitable for your particular situation.

The presence of red birthmarks on the body, especially convex ones, requires special careful handling: do not overdo it in the shower with a scrub or washcloth in the place of localization of the angioma, do not abuse direct sunlight, make sure not to accidentally damage the formation with tight clothing or tear it off with a fingernail. Following basic rules will help to avoid serious consequences, and an early visit to a dermatologist will preserve health and calm you down.

What to do if a red mole hurts?

Causes of pain syndrome of a red mole:

  • damage - a cut that disrupts the integrity of the formation. For example, during shaving. The injury is followed by bleeding, which is quite difficult to stop, so you need to immediately seek medical help;
  • transformation of a mole into a malignant tumor - the process is accompanied by a change in color (for example, from scarlet to yellow-white), the formation of an uneven edge;
  • swelling – is typical of hormonal changes (for example, during pregnancy).

What to do if a red mole hurts? The presence of any discomfort in the area of the neoplasm requires contacting a specialist who will help identify the cause of the unpleasant sensations. To determine the nature of the formation and prescribe qualified treatment, the dermatologist will send you to take the necessary tests.

What to do if a red mole bleeds?

Bleeding from a red birthmark can threaten major blood loss. Angiomas are formed from blood vessels located at the capillary, venous or arterial level. This fact indicates difficulties in stopping bleeding.

So, what to do if a red mole bleeds? The answer is clear – see a dermatologist or surgeon immediately. No matter how you damaged the angioma, treat it with hydrogen peroxide and apply a bandage. To avoid infection and subsequent suppuration, use brilliant green/alcohol. The injured mole should be shown to a specialist to prevent the growth of the neoplasm.

What to do if a red mole on the body grows?

An alarming symptom is an increase in the size of the angioma. What to do if a red mole on the body grows? Protrusion, active spread of the spot on the skin, the presence of asymmetry, as well as an uneven edge of the formation will be a reason to visit the hospital.

An increase in the angioma's volume most often becomes a reason for its removal. The patient will be advised to undergo a biopsy to disprove the presence of cancer cells.

The noticeable growth of a red mole should not be stopped independently using folk therapy methods. Home treatment can further aggravate the problem. Trust professionals and innovative hardware treatment methods.

Red mole removal

Very often, a red mole does not require treatment and removal. Unfortunately, this does not apply to angiomas of the face, as well as areas with increased friction. A change in color, growth of the neoplasm will be a reason to visit a specialist with subsequent removal. The choice of treatment tactics depends on the type of angioma, its location on the body.

Modern medicine offers the following methods for removing a red mole of a capillary type:

  • X-ray bleaching - after a course of irradiation, the mole disappears. The method is unfavorable for the body;
  • surgical excision - prescribed for small formations. This type of removal is not suitable for the facial area, as a scar remains after treatment;
  • carbon dioxide cauterization - the technique is acceptable for removing superficial formations, but is not used for deep-seated angiomas, as it can provoke active growth of the mole;
  • sclerotherapy - a special substance is injected into the angioma, separating it from the bloodstream. The red mole decreases in size and disappears;
  • cryodestruction – treatment with liquid nitrogen. The treatment is suitable for moles located in the upper layer of the skin. As a result of freezing, the capillaries are destroyed;
  • Coagulation is an effective, safe method used to remove large capillary moles without leaving scars. There are radio wave, electric, light and infrared coagulation. When performing the manipulation, the angioma is covered with a layer of anesthetic. Particularly large formations are first locally anesthetized.

Cavernous (branched) hemangiomas are treated surgically in stages. Small moles are amenable to therapy with radium applications, ligation of pathological vessels of the hemangioma with parallel excision of the large blood channel of the mole.

Removal of a red mole with a carbon dioxide or vascular laser is the most popular procedure. The laser beam does not leave scarring zones, the procedure itself takes a minimum of time, and the healing period does not exceed two to three weeks.

Removed moles are examined to rule out cancer cells. After surgery, it is not recommended to be in direct sunlight or visit a solarium for two months.

Treatment of red moles with folk remedies

Home treatment of angiomas is acceptable for small moles, unless they are actively growing. It is strictly forbidden to cauterize or lighten large formations that affect the deep layers of the skin. Self-medication can provoke the growth of the mole, suppuration, bleeding. You should not practice treating red moles with folk remedies if they are found on the face. Incompetent therapy, in addition to complications, threatens an unattractive scar.

If you dare to try “old-fashioned methods” on yourself, here are some popular recipes:

  • daily lubrication of the formations with castor oil gives results within a month;
  • use of the antiviral ointment "acyclovir" also for a month;
  • A gruel of black radish applied to the problem area 2-3 times helps to lighten the angioma;
  • a compress of crushed dandelion root is applied for at least two hours daily;
  • You can dry out a red mole using fresh onion juice;
  • good results are achieved by lubricating the angioma with honey;
  • crushed milkweed herb is applied for several hours once a day. The treatment continues for a week;
  • you can lubricate moles with potato juice;
  • honey and apple pulp, taken in equal proportions, are applied overnight. The composition is covered with cotton cloth on top and insulated with cellophane. The course of treatment is three to four sessions;
  • Twice a day, lubricate the red formation with a mixture of 50 ml of apple cider vinegar and 3 drops of essential lemon oil;
  • A lightening effect is achieved by alternately lubricating the angioma with lemon and garlic juice. The procedure should be repeated at least twice a day;
  • You can lighten a red mole with pineapple juice, which is used in the form of a poultice;
  • Castor oil, linseed oil and honey in equal volumes are applied to the angioma and kept for about half an hour.

Dermatologists and surgeons do not welcome folk remedies. For your own peace of mind, it is better to consult a specialist. If the red mole does not threaten your health, you can discuss the possibility of alternative therapy.

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