What are red birthmarks on the head? How are they different from other types of birthmarks? Get detailed information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for various red birthmarks, including strawberry marks, port-wine stains, and more.

Understanding Red Birthmarks on the Head

Red birthmarks are skin markings caused by blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, which develop before or shortly after birth. These vascular birthmarks can take various forms, including strawberry marks, cavernous hemangiomas, salmon patches, and port-wine stains. Each type of red birthmark has its own unique characteristics and potential effects.

Types of Red Birthmarks

Strawberry Hemangiomas

Strawberry hemangiomas, also known as strawberry marks, nevus vascularis, capillary hemangiomas, or hemangioma simplex, are a common type of red birthmark that often appear several weeks after birth. They are characterized by small, tightly packed blood vessels that give the birthmark a reddish, raised appearance, and they can occur anywhere on the body, but are most frequently found on the face and neck.

Cavernous Hemangiomas

Cavernous hemangiomas, or angioma cavernosum, are similar to strawberry hemangiomas but are deeper in the skin and may appear as a red-blue, spongy area of tissue filled with blood vessels.

Salmon Patches

Salmon patches, or stork bites, are very common, affecting up to half of all newborns. They appear as small, flat, pink spots made up of tiny blood vessels visible through the skin, and are most often found on the forehead, eyelids, upper lip, between the eyebrows, and on the back of the neck. Salmon patches may be more noticeable when an infant cries or during temperature changes.

Port-Wine Stains

Port-wine stains are flat hemangiomas composed of expanded capillaries. They can vary greatly in size, from very small to covering over half of the body’s surface area, and are most often located on the face. Port-wine stains on the face may be associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome.

Causes of Red Birthmarks

The cause of most red birthmarks, such as hemangiomas, is unknown. They are believed to be the result of the abnormal growth of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. In the case of port-wine stains, the cause is an underlying malformation of capillaries.

Symptoms of Red Birthmarks

The primary symptoms of red birthmarks include visible markings on the skin that resemble blood vessels, as well as rashes or lesions that appear red in color.

Diagnosis and Examination

A healthcare provider should examine all birthmarks, and the diagnosis is typically based on the appearance of the birthmark. Additional tests, such as skin biopsies, CT scans, or MRI, may be used to confirm the presence of deeper birthmarks.

Treatment Options

Many red birthmarks, like strawberry hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, and salmon patches, are temporary and do not require treatment. However, port-wine stains may need treatment if they affect the person’s appearance or cause other medical issues. Treatment options can include laser therapy, medication, or, in some cases, surgical removal.

Key Takeaways

• Red birthmarks are skin markings caused by blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, including strawberry hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, salmon patches, and port-wine stains.
• The cause of most red birthmarks is unknown, but they are believed to be the result of abnormal blood vessel growth.
• Symptoms include visible red marks, rashes, or lesions on the skin.
• Healthcare providers can diagnose red birthmarks based on their appearance, and may use additional tests like skin biopsies or imaging scans.
• Treatment is usually not necessary for temporary red birthmarks, but port-wine stains may require treatment if they affect appearance or cause other medical issues.

FAQs

What causes red birthmarks on the head?

Red birthmarks on the head are caused by blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. The most common types are strawberry hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, salmon patches, and port-wine stains, each with its own unique characteristics.

Are red birthmarks on the head common?

Yes, red birthmarks are relatively common. Salmon patches, for example, affect up to half of all newborns, while other types like strawberry hemangiomas are also quite prevalent.

Do red birthmarks on the head go away on their own?

Many types of red birthmarks, such as strawberry hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, and salmon patches, are temporary and often go away on their own without the need for treatment. Port-wine stains, however, are more persistent and may require medical intervention if they affect appearance or cause other issues.

When should I see a doctor about a red birthmark on my child’s head?

It’s a good idea to have any birthmark examined by a healthcare provider, as they can help determine the type of birthmark and whether any treatment is necessary. This is especially important for larger or rapidly growing birthmarks, or those that may interfere with vision or breathing.

Birthmarks – red Information | Mount Sinai

Strawberry mark; Vascular skin changes; Angioma cavernosum; Capillary hemangioma; Hemangioma simplex

Red birthmarks are skin markings created by blood vessels close to the skin surface. They develop before or shortly after birth.

A stork bite is a vascular lesion quite common in newborns consisting of one or more pale red patches of skin. Most often stork bites appear on the forehead, eyelids, tip of the nose, upper lip or back of the neck. They are usually gone within 18 months of birth.

Hemangiomas are tumors made up of dilated blood vessels that usually appear shortly after birth, although they may be present at birth. Hemangiomas on the face can be disfiguring and may interfere with visual development or cause obstruction of the airway.

This child has a juvenile hemangioma (strawberry hemangioma) on the chin. These may begin as flat, red spots and later become larger and elevated. Juvenile hemangiomas often go away (involute) spontaneously.

Causes

There are two main categories of birthmarks:

• Red birthmarks are made up of blood vessels close to the skin surface. These are called vascular birthmarks.
• Pigmented birthmarks are areas in which the color of the birthmark is different from the color of the rest of the skin.

Hemangiomas are a common type of vascular birthmark. Their cause is unknown. Their color is caused by the growth of blood vessels at the site. Different kinds of hemangiomas include:

• Strawberry hemangiomas (strawberry mark, nevus vascularis, capillary hemangioma, hemangioma simplex) may develop several weeks after birth. They may appear anywhere on the body, but are most often found on the neck and face. These areas consist of small blood vessels that are very close together.
• Cavernous hemangiomas (angioma cavernosum, cavernoma) are similar to strawberry hemangiomas, but they are deeper and may appear as a red-blue spongy area of tissue filled with blood.
• Salmon patches (stork bites) are very common. Up to half of all newborns have them. They are small, pink, flat spots made up of small blood vessels that can be seen through the skin. They are most common on the forehead, eyelids, upper lip, between the eyebrows, and on the back of the neck. Salmon patches may be more noticeable when an infant cries or during temperature changes.
• Port-wine stains are flat hemangiomas made of expanded tiny blood vessels (capillaries). Port-wine stains on the face may be associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome. They are most often located on the face. Their size varies from very small to over half of the body’s surface.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of birthmarks include:

• Marks on the skin that look like blood vessels
• Skin rash or lesion that is red

Exams and Tests

A health care provider should examine all birthmarks. Diagnosis is based on how the birthmark looks.

Tests to confirm deeper birthmarks include:

• Skin biopsy
• CT scan
• MRI of the area

Treatment

Many strawberry hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, and salmon patches are temporary and do not need treatment.

Port-wine stains may not need treatment unless they:

• Affect your appearance
• Cause emotional distress
• Are painful
• Change in size, shape, or color

Most permanent birthmarks are not treated before a child reaches school age or the birthmark is causing symptoms. Port-wine stains on the face are an exception. They should be treated at a young age to prevent emotional and social problems. Laser surgery can be used to treat them.

Concealing cosmetics may hide permanent birthmarks.

Oral or injected cortisone may reduce the size of a hemangioma that is growing quickly and affecting vision or vital organs.

Other treatments for red birthmarks include:

• Beta-blocker medicines
• Freezing (cryotherapy)
• Laser surgery
• Surgical removal

Outlook (Prognosis)

Birthmarks rarely cause problems, other than changes in appearance. Many birthmarks go away on their own by the time a child reaches school age, but some are permanent. The following development patterns are typical for the different types of birthmarks:

• Strawberry hemangiomas usually grow quickly and stay the same size. Then they go away. Most strawberry hemangiomas are gone by the time a child is 9 years old. However, there may be a slight change in color or puckering of the skin where the birthmark was.
• Some cavernous hemangiomas go away on their own, usually as a child is about school age.
• Salmon patches often fade as the infant grows. Patches on the back of the neck may not disappear. They usually are not visible as hair grows.
• Port-wine stains are often permanent.

Possible Complications

The following complications can occur from birthmarks:

• Emotional distress because of appearance
• Discomfort or bleeding from vascular birthmarks (occasional)
• Interference with vision or bodily functions
• Scarring or complications after surgery to remove them

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Have your provider look at all birthmarks.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent birthmarks.

Dinulos JGH. Vascular tumors and malformations. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif’s Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 23.

Folpe AL, Kozakewich HP. Benign vascular tumors and malformations. In: Goldblum JR, Folpe AL, Weiss SW, eds. Enzinger and Weiss’s Soft Tissue Tumors. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 20.

Patterson JW. Vascular tumors. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon’s Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2021:chap 39.

Last reviewed on: 11/18/2022

Reviewed by: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Port Wine Stains and More Types

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on May 07, 2023

• What Causes Birthmarks?
• Do Birthmarks Need to Be Treated?
• Types of Birthmarks
• Hemangiomas and Your Skin
• What Are the Signs of Red Birthmarks?
• How Are Red Birthmarks Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment for Hemangiomas and Red Birthmarks?
• Can Hemangiomas and Red Birthmarks Be Prevented?
• More

Birthmarks are colored skin spots that either are present at birth or develop shortly after birth. Birthmarks can be many different colors, including brown, tan, black, pale blue, pink, white, red, or purple. Some birthmarks are only colorations of the surface of the skin; others are raised above the surface of the skin or extend into the tissues under the skin.

The cause of most birthmarks is unknown. Most of them are not inherited. Many folk tales and myths exist about the causes of birthmarks, but none of these stories have been proven to explain the true causes of birthmarks.

Most birthmarks need no treatment. They usually remain stable as a child grows older. But some areas that can resemble blood vessel tumors – called hemangiomas – may need treatment because of their location. For example, a raised hemangioma near a child’s eye may make them less able to see. In rare cases, birthmarks are linked to other conditions, such as growths in the liver, lungs, stomach, or intestines.

There are two main categories of birthmarks: vascular (having to do with blood vessels) and pigmented. Vascular birthmarks are often pink-, purple-, or red-colored skin markings that develop before or shortly after birth. Pigmented birthmarks are skin markings that are present at birth. The marks may range from brown or black to bluish or blue-gray in color.

Learn more about pigmented birthmarks.

The hemangioma is a common type of vascular tumor that may occur early in life and resemble a birthmark. It is usually painless and harmless, and its cause is not known. The birthmark’s color comes from the extensive development of blood vessels at the site.

Types of hemangiomas and birthmarks include:

Strawberry hemangiomas (also called strawberry mark, nevus vascularis, capillary hemangioma, hemangioma simplex) may appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, scalp, back, or chest. They consist of small, closely packed blood vessels. They may be absent at birth and develop during the first several weeks afterward. They usually grow rapidly, remain a fixed size, and then subside. In most cases, strawberry hemangiomas disappear by the time a child is 10 years old. Some slight discoloration or puckering of the skin may remain at the site of the hemangioma.

Cavernous hemangiomas (also called angioma cavernosum or cavernoma) are similar to strawberry hemangiomas but are more deeply situated. They may appear as a red-blue spongy mass of tissue filled with blood. Some of these lesions may disappear on their own – usually as a child approaches school age. 

Port-wine stains are flat purple to red birthmarks made of dilated blood capillaries. These birthmarks occur most often on the face and may vary in size. Port-wine stains often are permanent (unless treated).

• Salmon patches (also called stork bites) are very common birthmarks and appear on newborn babies. These marks are small blood vessels (capillaries) that are visible through the skin. They are most common on the forehead, eyelids, upper lip, between the eyebrows, and the back of the neck. Often, these marks fade as the infant grows. 

Signs of red birthmarks include skin markings that:

• Develop before or shortly after birth
• Resemble blood vessels

In most cases, a health professional can diagnose a red birthmark based on the appearance of the skin. Deeper birthmarks can be confirmed with tests such as MRI, ultrasound, CT scans, or biopsies.

Many capillary birthmarks such as salmon patches and strawberry hemangiomas are temporary and require no treatment. For permanent lesions, concealing cosmetics may help. Topical timolol, a beta-blocker medication, can be used safely for hemangiomas that are growing. Oral corticosteroids can reduce the size of a hemangioma that is growing rapidly and obstructing vision or vital structures.

A new and very promising treatment for serious hemangiomas is propranolol, a drug usually used to treat high blood pressure.

Port wine stains on the face can be treated at a young age with a pulsed dye laser for best results.

Other treatments for red birthmarks may include:

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Laser surgery
• Surgical removal

In some cases, birthmarks are not treated until a child reaches school age. But hemangiomas are treated earlier if they threaten vital functions like vision or breathing or make the child self-conscious.

Currently, there is no known way to prevent hemangiomas or red birthmarks.

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Red moles on the body | Why do red moles appear on the skin?

Publication: 03/14/2023
Change: 03/14/2023

Many people have experienced the appearance of incomprehensible red spots on the body. Most often, these are angiomas – benign formations, which in most cases do not cause discomfort, itching or burning. However, this does not mean that they do not need treatment: such neoplasms are not always benign in nature, and can also be the result of various pathological processes in the body.

Let’s figure out what causes red moles, what danger they can pose to health and whether they need to be removed.

Author:

Gordilova Victoria Grigorievna

Dermatologist-cosmetologist
Work experience: 7 years

Important!

The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For staging
correct diagnosis and treatment should always consult a doctor.

What is it?

Red spots in fact are not moles, most often we are talking about benign vascular formations. In fact, these are tumors that consist of blood vessels; they can appear not only on the skin, but even in the internal organs and brain. Most often, the term “angioma” is used to refer to such a pathology. At the same time, such formations are classified into many types and subspecies, each of which has its own symptoms, causes and degree of danger to health.

Modern medicine still does not give an exact answer about the mechanism of development and pathogenesis of such vascular formations. It is known that tumors can form from blood or lymphatic vessels. Formations from blood vessels are called hemangiomas, they have a different structure and size, are often congenital and are found specifically in children. Angiomas from the lymphatic vessels – lymphangiomas – look like small nodules covered with skin. They are less common, often in middle-aged people. They can appear randomly on different parts of the body.

Neoplasms vary in size and shape: they may be round, oval, rough-edged, protruding above the surface, or nearly flat. The shade of the growths also differs: from bright red to bluish-purple. Some formations may increase in size over time, which indicates a possible malignant nature.

Angiomas develop as a result of vascular proliferation (that is, their growth by multiple cell division). Therefore, such formations belong to the class of tumors, and not malformations. Endothelial growths affect any part of the body. Most often they can be seen in the head, neck, back (in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine).

Approximately 70% of angiomas undergo spontaneous regression and therefore do not require any treatment. However, even in this case, formations in open areas of the body can cause psychological discomfort. The danger is often represented by vascular tumors that develop in the liver, lungs and other vital organs. Such neoplasms can undergo growth and compress internal structures. As a result, they may require treatment.

In severe cases, hemangiomas cause tissue necrosis, as the lesion can become an “entrance gate” for various infections. Sometimes a purulent process joins, which provokes the development of sepsis. If the formations are localized in the internal organs, then they can provoke tissue destruction. Also, sometimes the appearance of tumors leads to circulatory disorders, in particular the formation of blood clots and problems with blood clotting. But the most dangerous complication is the possibility of malignancy, that is, malignant degeneration of the tumor.

Types of red moles

The following types of red moles on the body are most often distinguished:

• Congenital . Formed during fetal development. Often they are called infants.
• Purchased . Appearing after 20-25 years.

Also formations can be single or multiple. In the second case, such a pathology is called hemangiomatosis. Depending on the characteristics of the formation, growths can be local and segmental. Local angiomas grow from one point, so they are distinguished by smooth edges and small sizes (usually up to several mm). Segmental – larger, with “torn” edges. Often appear as a result of a combination of pathologies of the aorta, chest, etc.

A separate classification of neoplasms is carried out taking into account the morphological structure. Allocate:

• Capillary . Found in 95% of cases.
• Cavernous . They are much less common – in 3% of cases.
• Mixed . Quite rare – found in 2% of patients.

Approximately 80% of vascular tumors are located on the upper half of the body. Such moles are characterized by spontaneous regression and slow growth. Often, changes in formations occur as a result of exposure to heat, cold, or various chemicals.

Depending on the localization, it is customary to divide angiomas into the following categories:

• Simple – appear on the surface of the skin.
• Tricky – grow under the skin.
• Combined – superficial and deep layers of the dermis are involved in the tumor process.
• Mixed – formations are located in dermal, nervous and muscular tissues.

Also, as we noted, all angiomas can be divided into two categories, depending on which vessels are involved in the pathological process – hemangiomas and lymphangiomas are distinguished. These tumors can be either benign or malignant. Let’s take a closer look at each type of neoplasm.

Capillary hemangiomas are diagnosed in most cases. Most often they are found on the outer skin in the upper body. However, sometimes they can be seen on the mucous membranes of the internal organs. Tumors consist of small vessels of the capillary type, which is why they got their name.

Arterial and venous hemangiomas consist of arterial-type vessels, so they often resemble veins. In the event that the arterial component predominates in the structure of such a red mole, then the affected area on the body has a pronounced bright red color. With the predominance of venous vessels, the tumor has a cyanotic or purple hue. Such formations can be quite extensive in area, often they lie deep in the tissues, therefore they are considered dangerous.

Venous hemangiomas can be located in places characteristic of varicose veins (most often on the lower extremities). The appearance of such formations is associated with insufficient diversion of venous blood, often combined with the development of blood clots.

Cavernous hemangiomas are quite rare. Such tumors consist of many thin-walled vessels with a wide lumen. As a result of this, cavities (caverns) are formed, in which blood clots can often be found. Such formations are localized on the skin, and can also occur in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. They differ in a specific structure – they represent a cavernous spongy formation with cavities in which blood is present. Outwardly, the growths are quite easy to recognize: they have the shape of a protruding tubercle and are distinguished by a reddish-cyanotic tint.

A variety of cavernous tumors are pineal angiomas. They are small in size and have a variety of shapes. A distinctive feature is the external texture and dark red color. Such formations can be seen on the face (lips, forehead, ears, eyelids and nose).

Lymphangiomas grow from the vessels of the lymphatic system, so such formations are allocated to a separate category. In an isolated form, a mole can be limited (simple), cavernous or progressive. The limited form most often manifests itself on the lower extremities in children. The cavernous form is characterized by a congenital manifestation. The latter – a progressive form – is common in adults (usually occurs in men). Such a neoplasm has a pink tint, grows slowly, is often localized on the limbs.

Superficial hemangiomas are the same red moles that most patients encounter most often. Often they are benign in nature, but they can still cause serious discomfort. Superficial formations are almost always congenital or appear in a newborn in the first year of life. Very often, such red dots can be seen near the eyes, ears or lips. Less often – they appear on the scalp, in the neck, on the arms and back. In girls, pathology occurs almost 3 times more often. The danger of such tumors is that they tend to grow rapidly, as a result of which they can spread to large areas. In advanced cases, this process is accompanied by tissue necrosis, bleeding and the development of inflammation. In addition, often such tumors are a serious cosmetic defect that can be difficult to remove, especially if they are located on open areas of the face and body. Superficial hemangiomas have one feature – they often regress on their own and disappear by 5–7 years. However, this does not always happen, so it makes sense to additionally consult with a dermatologist.

Another type of angiomas is stellar hemangioma. It is often called an arachnid nevus. Such a tumor appears in children older than 5 years or in pregnant women. The formation has a solid structure and a bright red hue; rays with well-visible vessels diverge from it in all directions. Sometimes you can notice the pulsation of the blood.

It is also worth mentioning fiery (flaming) nevi, or “wine stains”. As a rule, they are large in size, often localized on the face, neck and head. Such vascular tumors do not protrude above the skin surface, they are absolutely flat. They have a red or bluish tint, the edges are most often uneven. Unfortunately, such formations are not amenable to surgical treatment. However, they are large in size, so they can cause serious psychological discomfort.

Cherry angiomas are a fairly common problem among patients over 30 years of age. The diameter of such formations is small – up to 5 mm, they can be single or multiple. At the beginning of their development, they have a red-cherry hue, which is why they got their name. Subsequently, the growths darken, become burgundy. The number of such moles on the body can be several dozen. As a rule, they are not malignant, but the sudden appearance of neoplasms is a reason to consult a doctor.

Combined angiomas are considered the most dangerous, as they affect the subcutaneous tissues and internal structures. This can lead to various disorders in the functioning of organs or body systems. However, it is worth noting that sometimes inflammation, pain and other symptoms accompany other types of red moles. This may indicate the presence of a malignant process.

Important!

The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For staging
correct diagnosis and treatment should always consult a doctor.

Causes of

The etiology of the development of such neoplasms is not fully understood. Often their appearance is associated with various failures in the work of subcutaneous capillaries, which is partly proved by their structure. When examining the build-up under a microscope, gluing and interweaving of many blood vessels is noticeable. Also, among the possible causes of red moles, the following is noted:

• Excessive sun exposure (excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation).
• Hormonal changes (eg, due to hormonal imbalance, puberty, pregnancy, menopause).
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (especially the pancreas).
• Pathology of the cardiovascular system.
• Trauma and mechanical damage to the epithelium.
• Improper removal of various skin growths.
• Vitamin C deficiency (this can cause increased “fragility” of blood vessels).
• Diabetes mellitus and endocrine disorders.
• Hereditary factors (if parents have multiple angiomas, the risk of their development in the child is significantly increased).

In children, angiomas may be the result of an infectious disease of the mother during pregnancy.

Diagnostics

The symptoms of red spots are very variable, so a consultation with a dermatologist is required even in the absence of severe symptoms. The specialist will take an anamnesis and clarify the following:

• Period of occurrence of formations.
• Present symptoms.
• Chronic diseases of internal organs.
• Recent infections.
• Removal of other neoplasms in the past.
• Recent skin trauma.

The doctor will then examine the red dots that look like moles to see if they are benign or malignant. If necessary, the dermatologist uses a dermatoscope for this. Also, in case of suspicion of oncological processes, the patient is assigned a biopsy.

Sometimes, to determine the cause of formations and exclude their presence in the body, the patient is prescribed x-ray, angiography, ultrasound and CT. Additionally, you may need to consult a general practitioner, cardiologist, oncologist, endocrinologist and other doctors.

Methods of treatment

The main question is whether angiomas should be treated or left alone, especially if they are not a cause for concern. Small formations are most often not touched, but they need regular monitoring. Large neoplasms are removed. Especially if the following is observed:

• Formations change color . It should be alert if such a mole has become darker or lighter, has acquired an uneven color.
• Inflammation has appeared . The inflammatory reaction is manifested by redness and swelling of the tissues around the tumor.
• Changed dimensions . If the mole has become larger or smaller, then this is a serious cause for concern.
• Structural/density change observed . In particular, it should alert if the formation is compacted, covered with cracks, torn uneven edges appear.

Another cause for concern is the appearance of many small angiomas in a short time. Such small red moles can signal pathologies of the internal organs.

Treatment involves the use of conservative or operative techniques. The first category includes expectant management and medication. As a rule, drugs are selected for the treatment of diseases of internal organs – this allows you to eliminate angiomas resulting from such diseases.

As for various ointments, cosmetic creams or folk remedies, but they turn out to be useless and even dangerous. Hemangiomas are vascular formations, so they cannot be removed on their own. We advise you not to experiment and not self-medicate.

If a patient is scheduled to have a mass removed, the following techniques may be used:

• Cryodestruction . Such manipulation is more often used for small hemangiomas. Its advantages are the absence of bleeding and painlessness. During removal, tissues are treated with liquid nitrogen. As a result, there is an instant freezing of the intercellular and intracellular fluid, which leads to the destruction of the altered cells. Necrotization and subsequent tissue rejection occur. Over time, a new tissue without vascular pathologies is formed at the site of removal.
• Radio wave removal . The essence of this procedure is reduced to exposure to neoplasms with high-frequency radio waves. A special radioknife is used, which helps to act only on damaged tissues. The technique is safe and avoids the recurrence of pathology, however, it is more often used for large neoplasms and closed areas of the body. It is almost not used in the face area, as it can lead to scarring.
• Laser removal . One of the most effective procedures for removing hemangiomas is laser therapy. The laser beam affects the tissues precisely, which allows not affecting the surrounding healthy skin areas. During manipulation, there is no bleeding, which avoids tissue infection. Minimal heating contributes to the rapid healing of the wound and eliminates the formation of scars. That is why in most cases, doctors use this particular technique.

In rare cases (eg large masses) surgical removal may be used. This is a rather traumatic procedure, since the angioma is removed with a scalpel. As a rule, such manipulation is carried out if further histology of the removed tissues is necessary.

Prophylaxis

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent congenital angiomas. But in most cases, acquired neoplasms can be dealt with. To do this, it is enough to observe the following recommendations:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun . Excessive insolation can provoke vascular tumors, so limit your exposure to direct sunlight. Also used creams with SPF protection.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle . It is best to exclude smoking and alcohol, avoid inactivity, normalize sleep and rest. In addition, doctors advise to adhere to a proper balanced diet. This will eliminate the development of certain diseases of the internal organs, which means it will help to avoid angiomas, which are one of the symptoms of such pathologies.
• Don’t forget about regular check-ups . At least once a year, go through preventive examinations with doctors to exclude serious diseases. It is also recommended to take a general and biochemical blood test – this will help eliminate hidden problems. In general, this approach will allow to detect neoplasms at an early stage and choose an effective method of treatment.

If you notice that many red moles have appeared on your body, this may be cause for concern. We advise you to immediately sign up for a consultation with a dermatologist to find out the exact diagnosis and ask questions of interest.

Literature

• Minkina OV Skin neoplasms: modern concepts of non-invasive possibilities and diagnostic prospects. / O. V. Minkina, A. S. Dvornikov, P. A. Skripkina, L. V. Oganesyan et al. // Preventive medicine. – 2020. – No. 23 (6). – P. 120–128.

Other articles of the author:

• Dry hands

Why red moles appear on the body. How to get rid of them.

Moles are benign skin growths. Red moles (angiomas) are the result of malfunctioning subcutaneous capillaries. Although the vast majority of them are not dangerous to health, their unexpected appearance, strange color and unusual shape often frighten people. Ignorance and misunderstanding of the problem can lead to sad consequences.

To avoid this, let’s talk more about red moles and dot the i’s.

The etiology of red moles has not yet been studied. No one can name the exact reasons why they appear on the skin. However, there is a widespread belief that angiomas occur as a result of a malfunction of the subcutaneous capillaries.

This assumption is partly proved by the structure of the red mole. Under a microscope, a neoplasm is a mass of glued or intertwined blood vessels that are localized in the upper layers of the skin, or on its surface. This is probably why red moles most often occur in early childhood.

The child’s circulatory system changes periodically. Vessels grow, develop and often form entire networks of angiomas on the skin. Most often on the face.

In adulthood, red moles appear less frequently. They occur suddenly on any part of the body as a reaction to an external or internal stimulus. In particular, the following can provoke the appearance and growth of angiomas:

• prolonged insolation;
• hormonal failures;
• violation of microcirculation in skin cells;
• age-related changes in the body.

What do red moles look like?

Angiomas are small neoplasms in the red color spectrum (from pale pink to brown). They do not hurt and are not felt in any way by the wearer under normal conditions. Below are the possible types of red moles:

Are red moles dangerous?

The short answer is no. Not dangerous. Angiomas do not threaten human life and health. Cases when these neoplasms degenerate into cancer are extremely rare and are usually associated with some genetic prerequisites. Or with exposure to carcinogens.

But, you should consult a doctor if:

• the red mole itches or grows;
• you damaged (or tore off) a red mole;
• too many angiomas;
• they bleed and ulcerate.

Why it matters.

Itching, rapid growth, scaling, bleeding and ulceration are not typical behaviors for angioma. Therefore, it is possible that malignancy processes have started in the neoplasm, or it was initially malignant.

Damage to a red mole is usually accompanied by profuse bleeding. It is fraught. If you have torn off a red mole, you can find out how to provide first aid in our separate article “What to do if you have damaged a mole?”. And after all the measures taken, visit at least a dermatologist (for greater persuasiveness, read about “How dangerous is a damaged mole?”).

Removal of red moles

Angiomas respond well to treatment. They can be removed. But it is better to do this in a specialized institution (preferably in a clinic, in extreme cases, in a beauty parlor). By no means at home!

Removal of any growths at home is dangerous. Acidic products that are used for these purposes contain carcinogens. Carcinogens can provoke the development of malignant pathology, as well as disrupt the integrity of tissues. A scar is the most harmless thing that can be obtained by resorting to such methods of removing red moles.

How to remove red moles?

Laser. Or any other safe method. It is better to avoid direct surgical intervention and strive for the most bloodless and non-contact methods.

Why?

Non-contact ways to remove tumors are safe. You do not risk infection during the procedure. In addition, the rehabilitation period is significantly reduced – the treated area heals quickly and, as a rule, without consequences.

If we are talking about red moles, then we recommend laser removal, preferably CO2 laser (if the neoplasm is large or deeply located). If the angiomas are small, then an erbium or so-called “cold” laser is suitable for removal. The difference is only in power and depth of impact.

Read more about how CO2 laser works in the article “Carbon dioxide laser as the most common laser in cosmetology.”.

In conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to add that you should not be afraid of angiomas or red moles.