What should you know about little red moles?

Cherry angiomas, also called Campbell de Morgan spots, can look like bright red, purple-red, or darker red dots. They may be smooth or slightly raised and can occur on many parts of the body. A spot that bleeds after rubbing may have been traumatised, but bleeding without clear irritation deserves an examination. Colour alone cannot distinguish every type of mole or skin growth, so a new or changing lesion should not be labelled at home.

Take note of the spot's size, outline, colour, surface, and symptoms. Compare it with older photographs if available, and avoid picking or trying to remove it yourself.

If the spot is stable and does not bother you, observation during routine skin checks may be reasonable. Use sun protection for exposed skin and keep nails short if you tend to scratch. Arrange a dermatology visit if it is new, changing, repeatedly bleeding, crusting, painful, or difficult to distinguish from other lesions. A clinician can decide whether treatment is needed for irritation, appearance, or diagnostic uncertainty. Options may include pulsed dye laser treatment or electrosurgery after examination.

Seek timely assessment for a red mole that changes quickly, develops an irregular outline, becomes very dark or multicoloured, repeatedly bleeds, ulcerates, or fails to heal. Get urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding or signs of infection such as spreading warmth, swelling, pus, or fever. Do not use home burning, cutting, or tying methods.

Does this lesion have the typical features of a cherry angioma? Should it be photographed or examined again? If removal is appropriate, which method fits its position and surface?