Cherry Angiomas
Common, harmless red spots made of tiny blood vessels
Quick Facts
- Type: Benign skin growth (vascular)
- Appearance: Small, bright red, dome-shaped spots
- Common sites: Trunk, arms, shoulders
- Nature: Harmless; removal is optional
Overview
Cherry angiomas are small, bright red skin growths made up of a cluster of tiny blood vessels. They are very common, harmless, and tend to appear and increase in number as people get older, which is why they are sometimes called senile angiomas. They are also known as Campbell de Morgan spots.
These spots usually appear on the trunk, but they can show up on the arms, shoulders, and other areas. They are not a sign of any internal disease and do not turn into cancer. Most people simply leave them alone, though they can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they are irritated. Cherry angiomas are one of several common benign skin growths, related to other vascular marks such as a hemangioma.
Many people first notice a cherry angioma and worry it could be serious, but they are among the most common harmless growths in adults. They tend to stay small and stable, though new ones may continue to appear over the years. The main reason to have one looked at is simply to confirm it is a cherry angioma rather than another type of spot.
Symptoms
Cherry angiomas have a characteristic look:
- Small spots, often a few millimeters across
- Bright cherry-red color, sometimes purple or bluish
- Round and smooth, either flat or slightly raised and dome-shaped
- Usually painless and do not itch
- May bleed if scratched, rubbed, or injured, because they are full of blood vessels
- Often appear in groups and increase in number with age
They are usually easy to recognize, but a new or changing dark or irregular spot should be checked to make sure it is not something else.
Causes
The exact cause of cherry angiomas is not fully understood, but they are linked to:
- Aging: They become more common and more numerous as people get older, often appearing after age 30.
- Genetics: A tendency to develop them can run in families.
- Hormonal changes: Some appear or increase during pregnancy.
They are an overgrowth of small blood vessels in the skin and are not caused by anything harmful in the body. Their bright red color comes from the blood vessels that make them up.
Risk Factors
- Older age, especially after age 30
- A family history of cherry angiomas
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes
- Both men and women are commonly affected
Diagnosis
Cherry angiomas are usually diagnosed by their appearance:
- Skin examination: A doctor can typically identify them by sight.
- Dermoscopy: A magnified, lighted view can confirm the vascular pattern if there is any doubt.
- Biopsy: Rarely needed, but a sample may be taken if a spot looks unusual or to rule out other growths.
Because they are so typical in appearance, most cherry angiomas do not require any testing.
Treatment
Cherry angiomas are harmless and do not need treatment. They can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed or catch on clothing:
- Laser therapy: A laser targets the blood vessels to fade or remove the spot.
- Electrocautery: Burning off the angioma with a small electric current.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the spot with liquid nitrogen.
- Shave removal: Carefully shaving the growth off the skin surface.
These quick procedures are done by a clinician. It is best not to try to remove a cherry angioma at home, since they can bleed considerably.
Self-Care
- Cherry angiomas cannot be reliably prevented, as they are linked to aging and genetics
- Avoid scratching or picking at them to prevent bleeding
- Protect them from rubbing or injury if they catch on clothing
- If one bleeds, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth until it stops
- Have any new, dark, or changing spot checked to be safe
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if a red or dark spot changes in size, shape, or color, has irregular borders, or bleeds without an obvious cause, so it can be confirmed as harmless. Also seek care if a cherry angioma bleeds repeatedly or will not stop bleeding despite gentle pressure. While cherry angiomas themselves are not dangerous, getting changing spots checked helps rule out other skin conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cherry angiomas dangerous?
No, cherry angiomas are harmless and do not turn into cancer. They are simply clusters of small blood vessels in the skin. They can bleed if scratched or injured, but they are not a sign of any internal disease. A changing or unusual spot should still be checked.
What causes cherry angiomas?
Their exact cause is not fully known, but they are linked to aging, genetics, and sometimes hormonal changes such as pregnancy. They become more common and more numerous as people get older, usually appearing after age 30.
Should I have cherry angiomas removed?
Removal is optional, since they are harmless. People choose removal for cosmetic reasons or if a spot bleeds or catches on clothing. A clinician can remove them quickly with laser, electrocautery, freezing, or shaving.
Why does my cherry angioma bleed?
Cherry angiomas are made of tiny blood vessels, so they can bleed if scratched, rubbed, or injured. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth until the bleeding stops. If a spot bleeds often or will not stop, see a doctor about removing it.
Can I remove a cherry angioma at home?
It is not recommended. Because they are full of blood vessels, trying to cut or scrape one off can cause significant bleeding and infection. A clinician can remove them safely and cleanly with the right tools.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Common benign skin growths.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Skin lesion of the skin.
- DermNet. Cherry angioma.
- Mayo Clinic. Skin changes with aging.