A lot of Red Spots on Skin: Should You Be Worried?

Red marks don't usually spell problems for your health, unless they're accompanied by discomfort, itching, or bleeding. In these cases, you must always consult with a specialist.

Written and verified by psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Last update: 27 May, 2022

We’re sure that, more than once, you’ve been surprised to find a few red spots on your skin. Known as red moles or “ruby spots”, they often appear suddenly and never go away. It’s common for us to be concerned when we notice them, and when we find that more have appeared from one day to the next.

Despite the name, red moles aren’t actually moles at all. Known as angiomas, these red spots are made up of clusters of capillaries. They may also be called Campbell De Morgan spots or cherry angiomas.

According to a study published in American Family Physician, this problem affects up to 50% of adults. They tend to appear on the trunk of the body and the extremities, and often measure several millimeters in diameter. In most cases, no treatment is required, but it’s always worth getting them checked out by your doctor.

What else must you know? To better understand them, we’ll tell you the most important things you need to about the development of red moles. If you’re suffering from angiomas, this information should help to clear up any doubts you may have.

Red spots: general information

According to an article published in “Medicina General y de Familia”, red spots on the skin are the most common form of angioma. These natural, benign skin lesions can appear at any time throughout your life, though they are more common after the age of 30.

They usually attract our attention with their red color. Many people consider them unsightly, and resort to treatments to remove these angiomas, the genetic tendency for which we inherit from our parents. Let’s take a look at more facts.

What are red spots on the skin exactly?

Red spots on the skin are the dilation of capillaries due to small ruptures in the vascular system. They often appear on the arms and chest.

Typically, cherry angiomas present as small red spots on the skin. They may be smooth, or slightly raised, and can vary from 1-5 mm in diameter. Their appearance often leads people to mistake them for moles.

We should also point out the following: angiomas are benign tumors. They’re simple accumulations of melanocytes which, unlike moles, rarely become malignant.

What causes angiomas?

To date, the exact cause of angiomas is unknown. However, according to a study published in the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, age is a factor, and people tend to develop more as they get older.

However, they have also been linked to genetics, hormonal changes, exposure to chemical products, and climate.

Should I be worried?

We should stress, once again, that these red spots on the skin aren’t cancerous, and are no real cause for worry. They’re benign tumors, but we still need to pay attention to their appearance, and look out for any changes. Thus, if you have these imperfections on your skin, it’s important to remember the following:

• They shouldn’t appear in large numbers in one particular area.
• Red spots on the skin shouldn’t cause discomfort. If they hurt, itch, or bother you, see your doctor.
• Red spots on the skin shouldn’t bleed. If touching them causes bleeding, see a dermatologist.
• Pay attention to the color and shape. If the color ever darkens or the edges become rough or irregular, talk to a specialist.

What can I do to remove them?

Despite not presenting any risks to your health, some view these small marks as undesirable, especially when they want to wear a tank top or a shirt with a low neckline.

• It’s important to point out that you should never try to remove them at home or with natural methods. While there are safe ways to remove them, others can be dangerous.
• Red spots on the skin can measure between 6 and 7 mm. Since they’re capillaries, we should never try to remove them ourselves. A dermatologist will be able to explain the best and safest methods to remove them.
• A laser or electric scalpel is usually used to burn the red spot off, preventing them from reappearing. This technique is completely safe.

Are you worried about red spots on your skin? As you can see, they’re usually superficial. However, if you do notice any abnormalities or complications, get them checked out by your doctor.