The Bottom Line
Cherry angiomas are small, bright red spots on the skin caused by a harmless overgrowth of blood vessels. They're extremely common — appearing in about 75-80% of people over age 50 — and pose absolutely no health risk. If you want them removed for cosmetic reasons, quick in-office procedures like electrocautery, laser treatment, or cryotherapy can eliminate them with minimal downtime and excellent results.
What Are Cherry Angiomas?
Cherry angiomas (also called Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas) are small, benign growths made up of clusters of tiny blood vessels. They appear as bright red to dark purple, dome-shaped bumps on the skin, typically ranging from 1 to 5 millimeters in size — about the size of a pinhead to a pencil eraser.
They're one of the most common skin growths in adults, and their frequency increases with age. While the name "senile angiomas" sounds alarming, it simply refers to the fact that they become more common as we get older.
What Do They Look Like?
Cherry angiomas have several distinctive features:
- Color: Bright cherry red to dark purple (the red color comes from the blood vessels inside)
- Shape: Round, dome-shaped, or slightly raised above the skin surface
- Size: Usually 1-5 mm, though some can grow larger over time
- Location: Most commonly found on the trunk (abdomen and back), but also on the arms and occasionally the face
- Texture: Smooth, firm to the touch
- Blanching: If you press on one, it turns white momentarily (this confirms it's blood vessel-related)
Cherry angiomas are completely painless and don't cause any symptoms unless accidentally scratched or bumped, which can cause brief minor bleeding.
What Causes Them?
The exact cause of cherry angiomas isn't fully understood, but several factors are associated with their development:
- Age: The single biggest factor — they become increasingly common after age 30 and affect the majority of people over 50
- Genetics: They tend to run in families, suggesting a hereditary component
- Hormonal changes: Some reports suggest they may increase during pregnancy or with hormone fluctuations
- Sun exposure: Cumulative UV damage may contribute
Important: Cherry angiomas are not caused by poor hygiene, diet, or anything you did wrong. They're a normal part of skin aging.
Are Cherry Angiomas Dangerous?
No. Cherry angiomas are completely benign (non-cancerous) and have zero potential to turn into skin cancer. They're purely a cosmetic concern. You don't need to have them removed for medical reasons.
That said, if a red spot on your skin is changing rapidly, looks irregular, or is different from your other cherry angiomas, have it evaluated by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis — some other skin conditions can look similar.
Removal Options
If you'd like cherry angiomas removed for cosmetic reasons, several quick, effective in-office procedures are available:
Electrocautery (most popular):
- A small electric current generates heat to destroy the angioma
- Takes seconds per spot
- Numbing cream applied beforehand for comfort
- A small crust forms and falls off in 7-10 days
- Usually one treatment is all that's needed
- Most affordable option
Laser treatment:
- Pulsed dye laser targets the hemoglobin (blood) in the angioma
- Destroys the blood vessels while minimizing damage to surrounding skin
- Temporary bruising may occur, fading in 1-2 weeks
- Typically 1-2 sessions needed
- Often considered to give the best cosmetic results
Cryotherapy (freezing):
- Liquid nitrogen freezes the angioma
- A blister forms and the spot sloughs off in 1-2 weeks
- Quick and economical
- May be slightly less precise than laser or electrocautery
Surgical excision:
- Reserved for very large angiomas
- Provides definitive removal with stitches
- Leaves a small scar
Multiple angiomas can typically be treated in a single session.
What to Expect After Removal
- Healing time: 1-4 weeks depending on the method
- Care: Keep the area clean, apply petroleum jelly if recommended, and protect from sun
- Scarring: Minimal to none with most methods — treated areas typically heal with excellent cosmetic results
- Temporary color changes: Mild lightening or darkening of the skin at the treatment site may occur but usually resolves within a few months
- Recurrence: Successfully removed angiomas don't grow back from the same spot, but new ones can develop elsewhere over time
When to See a Dermatologist
- You want cherry angiomas removed for cosmetic reasons
- A red spot is growing rapidly, looks irregular, or bleeds easily
- You're unsure whether a spot is a cherry angioma or something else
- A spot looks different from your other cherry angiomas
- You have numerous angiomas appearing suddenly (which rarely may signal an underlying condition)
A board-certified dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis with a quick visual examination and discuss removal options if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cherry angiomas dangerous?
No. Cherry angiomas are completely benign with no potential to become cancerous. They're a cosmetic concern only, and removal is entirely optional.
Will cherry angiomas come back after removal?
A successfully removed cherry angioma will not grow back from the same spot. However, new cherry angiomas can develop in other areas — this is a normal part of aging, especially if you're genetically predisposed.
What is the best way to remove cherry angiomas?
All common methods (electrocautery, laser, cryotherapy) are effective. Electrocautery is the most popular due to its quick results and low cost. Laser treatment often produces the best cosmetic outcome. Your dermatologist can recommend the best approach based on the size, number, and location of your angiomas.
Can I prevent cherry angiomas from forming?
There's no proven way to prevent cherry angiomas, as they're largely determined by genetics and age. Consistent sun protection and a healthy lifestyle may help your overall skin health but won't specifically prevent angiomas.
References
- Requena L, et al. Cutaneous hemangiomas and vascular malformations. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2015;34(3):91-99.
- Tan KH, et al. Treatment of cherry angiomas with laser: efficacy and safety. Lasers Surg Med. 1998;22(4):294-302.
- Oiso N, et al. Cherry angiomas: etiology and clinical characteristics. Curr Probl Dermatol. 2012;43:20-33.
- Erbil AH, et al. Use of 595-nm laser in treatment of cherry angiomas. Dermatol Surg. 2007;33(4):443-448.
Trusted Resources
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. "Cherry Angiomas." aad.org
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. "Vascular Lesions." asds.net
- Mayo Clinic. "Cherry Angioma." mayoclinic.org
- DermNet New Zealand. "Cherry Angioma." dermnetnz.org
Always consult a board-certified dermatologist if you're unsure about any skin growth or want to discuss removal options.