What should you know about bright red moles on the body?

A cherry angioma is usually a smooth, round red to purple spot or small bump formed by clustered blood vessels in the skin. It may occur on the trunk, arms, or other body areas and can become more noticeable over time. A spot that is firm, irregular, very dark, persistently crusted, or different from the others should not be labelled from a photograph alone. A clinician can examine it with magnification and decide whether further evaluation is needed.

Do not cut, burn, tie off, or scratch the spot at home; blood-vessel lesions can bleed and home removal can scar or cause infection. Photograph it in good light and note its location, size, colour, and any changes. If it catches on clothing or bleeds after minor contact, arrange a skin consultation. If removal is wanted for irritation or appearance, options may include pulsed dye laser treatment or electrosurgery after examination.

Arrange prompt medical review if the mole changes quickly, bleeds without clear trauma, repeatedly crusts, becomes painful, or develops an uneven border or mixed colours. Seek urgent help for bleeding that will not stop with firm continuous pressure. A new cluster of spots or a spot unlike the rest also deserves professional assessment.

Ask whether the spot looks like a cherry angioma, whether dermoscopy or sampling is needed, which removal method fits its location, and how to care for the area afterward.