What is that little red pimple that appears on the skin after 30?

It appears mostly on the stomach or back, alone or in a band, and can be mistaken for a mole. “This is a ruby ​​spot, also clinically called a ruby ​​angioma. This has nothing to do with a mole, which is a group of melanocytes in the skin that come together to form a small brown spot,” says dermatologist, president of the French Society of Dermatology (SFD) and head of dermatology, Professor Gael Caro. Department of Nantes University Hospital. “It is caused by the dilation of the skin vessel, which causes this small red spot on the surface of the skin,” explains the specialist.

Diagnostic

Several visual cues allow you to recognize and distinguish it from other skin lesions. “A ruby ​​angioma measures 1 to 3 millimeters. Its color is quite varied, it can go from pinkish-red to bright red, or even purple, – describes the dermatologist, – often, when it appears, it is quite smooth, then over time it gets a little relief, it is completely limited : When pressed lightly, it fades a little and re-colors.’

They may appear in only two or three, or even several. “There is often a family component,” says Professor Caro.

Benign and painless

Not enough to trigger a red alert. “Ruby angioma is completely benign and painless. It is not worrisome and will never turn into cancer. It is not necessary to do a biopsy, – the specialist reassures, – it is a physiological thing that occurs with age. It is extremely common to see it emerge from the thirties.

It is extremely common to see a ruby ​​angioma occurring in the thirties.

Professor Gaëlle Quéreux, Dermatologist, President of the SFD and Head of the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital of Nantes

Professor Quéreux says there is therefore “no reason to treat them”. On the other hand, “because of their location or size, it can sometimes interfere aesthetically. In this case, it is possible to resort to local treatment to eliminate the angioma, but it is not necessarily recommended,” he warns. The doctor may then apply electrocoagulation techniques. “It’s a very simple intervention that consists of sending a small electric current to the level of this dilated vessel. This will ‘burn’ it and thus the angioma will disappear,” he notes, noting, however, that “this does not prevent other ruby ​​spots from appearing afterwards.”

A recognizable color

If some may take a mole at first glance, it is important to clearly distinguish it from a measles angioma. “It is very rare for a mole to be red. Their color is very variable, but generally they are quite brown, brown or black,” recalls Professor Caro, adding that “they can be more or less dark, depending on our complexion. In people with very fair skin and red hair, it may be reddish brown, although it is still very different from a reddish spot. On Asian skin, they can be a little bluish.”

However, if in doubt, do not hesitate to see your doctor or dermatologist for a professional diagnosis.

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