Cherry Angiomas

What are Cherry Angiomas?

Cherry angiomas are small, benign (non-cancerous) red or purple bumps on the skin caused by clusters of dilated blood vessels. They are common in adults over 30 and usually appear on the trunk, arms, and legs.

They are generally harmless and often discovered accidentally.

Causes

• Ageing – more common after 30–40 years.
• Genetics – family history may increase risk.
• Hormonal changes – sometimes linked to pregnancy or other hormonal shifts.
• Chemical exposure – rare cases linked to certain chemicals or medications.
• Medical conditions – very rarely associated with systemic disorders, but usually harmless.

Symptoms / Appearance

• Small bright red, purple, or cherry-coloured bumps.
• Smooth or slightly raised surface.
• Typically round or oval.
• Size ranges from 1 mm to 5 mm, sometimes larger.
• Usually painless and asymptomatic, but may bleed if injured.
• Often appear in clusters, increasing in number with age.
• Treatments

When Treatment is Needed

• Usually not necessary unless for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed frequently.

Professional Treatments

• Laser therapy (pulsed dye laser, Nd:YAG) → destroys the blood vessels safely.
• Electrocautery → burns and removes the angioma.
• Cryotherapy → freezing the angioma with liquid nitrogen.
• Excision → rarely needed, for larger or unusual lesions.

View treatments

At-Home / Self-Care

• No specific treatment is required at home.
• Protect from trauma or injury to prevent bleeding.
• Monitor for any rapid changes in size, color, or bleeding.

Prevention

• No guaranteed way to prevent cherry angiomas.
• Avoid skin trauma to reduce bleeding risk.
• Routine skin checks to monitor changes, especially in fair-skinned individuals.

FAQs

Q1. Are cherry angiomas dangerous?
No, they are benign and harmless, though sudden growth or bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor.

Q2. Can they disappear on their own?
Rarely; most persist for life and may increase in number over time.

Q3. Can cherry angiomas turn into cancer?
No, they are non-cancerous.

Q4. Do cherry angiomas bleed?
They may bleed if injured or scratched, but otherwise remain asymptomatic.

Q5. When should I see a doctor?
If the angioma changes rapidly, bleeds frequently, or looks unusual, a dermatologist should evaluate it.