Small, red lesions that develop on skin can be a bit unsettling. While these mole-like red growths may be indicative of something serious, it can also be a harmless growth called a cherry angioma. According to Dr. Jenna Koblinski of Medical Dermatology Specialists Phoenix a U.S. Dermatology Partners practice, “Cherry angiomas are harmless, vascular growths that are a normal part of the skin aging process for many adults. They are rarely indicative of any skin health concerns, so unless they cause cosmetic concerns or other issues, they don’t require treatment.” In this blog, Dr. Koblinski answers some of the most frequently asked questions from the basic what is cherry angioma to more complex inquiries like does cherry angioma clear up on its own?
What Is a Cherry Angioma?
Simply put, cherry angioma are small, red spots on skin. They are a benign, painless, and non-contagious growths. They get their red coloring from tiny clusters of blood vessels beneath skin’s surface. Unlike moles, freckles, and other spots that take their color from pigment cells, the color of cherry angiomas comes directly from the dilated vessels that fill with blood. Dr. Koblinski explains, “Cherry angiomas are benign (non-cancerous) vascular proliferations. They are typically one to five millimeters in size and present as dome-shaped, cherry red to deep purple papules (a papule is a small ‘bump’).”
Where Do Cherry Angiomas Appear?
These benign vascular lesions can develop on any part of the body, but they are most common on the chest, abdomen, and back where skin experiences friction. They can also develop on the arms, legs, scalp, and shoulders.
What Causes Cherry Angiomas?
Cherry angiomas are not just red moles on skin. They are the visible result of vascular and skin changes that occur with aging. Specifically, Dr. Koblinski says, “Cherry angioma are caused by mutations in various genes that occur sporadically. Other associated risk factors that lead to cherry angioma development include male sex, Caucasian ancestry, and green or hazel eyes. However, people of all ages and skin types can have cherry angiomas. Studies have cited anywhere from 54% to 78% of adults having the lesions. Rarely, they can be associated with genetic syndromes, but most commonly, cherry angiomas are not a cause for alarm.” Common contributing factors that increase risk for developing cherry angiomas include:
- Age-related vascular changes – the structure of blood vessels changes with age. Some enlarge or cluster together, leading to the formation of visible red spots on skin.
- Genetics – certain gene mutations or family history of cherry angioma increase risk for developing these lesions.
- Hormonal changes – increase and decrease in hormone production causes vascular growth.
- Environment – cumulative exposure to the sun’s UV rays, pollution, and other environmental irritants contribute to blood vessel and skin changes that support the development of cherry angiomas.
Do Cherry Angiomas Go Away?
Unfortunately, cherry angiomas are permanent. Dr. Koblinski says, “Cherry angiomas do not go away on their own. Once they appear they are permanent, and it is likely that patients with cherry angiomas will continue to get more throughout their lifetime. Although they persist, they’re harmless and treatment is unnecessary unless they become bothersome or cosmetically undesirable.”
How Cherry Angiomas Differ from Moles or Skin Cancer
Differentiating between typical skin health changes and those that present more significant risk is essential. While dermatologists rely on patients to perform self-checks and report any irregularities, it’s important to rely on professionals to receive an accurate diagnosis. As Dr. Koblinski explains, “Cherry angiomas have very specific identifying features both to the naked eye and under polarized light using a special tool called a dermatoscope. In dermatology, we always want to consider potential ‘mimics.’ For a cherry angioma there can be benign mimics such as lesions called angiokeratoma, venous lake, or pyogenic granuloma as well as more dangerous mimics like certain types of melanoma, metastatic cancer, or rare diagnoses such as bacillary angiomatosis or Kaposi sarcoma. Once a patient has had one cherry angioma identified by a board-certified dermatologist, they are often able to recognize other cherry angiomas as they pop up.” Even if you’ve had cherry angioma in the past, be on the lookout for the following warning signs that something more serious may be developing:
- Rapid growth or change.
- Shape is irregular or texture is rough.
- Color changes, especially if the spot darkens.
- Lesions that bleed frequently.
- The bump is painful or tender to the touch.
Do Cherry Angiomas Need Treatment?
While some patients opt for cherry angioma removal, the treatment isn’t usually necessary for this benign skin condition. The decision to treat cherry angiomas is entirely personal, but it may be recommended if lesions bleed frequently, clothing irritates skin, the bump prevents shaving, or the individual is self-conscious about the appearance.
How Dermatologists Treat Cherry Angiomas
Discussing how to treat cherry angioma, Dr. Koblinski says, “At the moment there are no topical prescription therapies to treat cherry angiomas, but perhaps in the future some of the topical therapies used for other vascular lesions will be studied for their effectiveness. As of right now, the best therapies for treatment are lasers (specifically vascular lasers) or electrosurgery (using heat, or more specifically electric current, to target the lesions). Given the benign nature of cherry angiomas, these are considered cosmetic treatments and often incur an out-of-pocket cost. It is important to note that these treatments will not prevent future cherry angiomas from forming.”
Are There At-Home Treatments?
According to Dr. Koblinski, “Cherry angiomas are not dangerous and can be left alone, and it is not uncommon that patients desire to have these treated. Unfortunately, there are no at-home remedies to treat the angiomas and any regimen claiming to do so is probably questionable and not a good use of financial resources.” Attempting to treat cherry angiomas at home can lead to a range of issues, including damaging skin, infection, and scarring.
When to See a Dermatologist
You may need to visit a dermatologist for cherry angioma treatment and evaluation in the following situations:
- The cherry angioma appears suddenly and grows rapidly.
- The spot bleeds persistently.
- Changes in color, shape, or texture occur.
- Pain occurs when touched.
Consult a Dermatologist to Look & Feel Your Best
In summary, Dr. Koblinski says, “Overall, cherry angiomas are benign growths that are nothing to be concerned or embarrassed about. We see them commonly in clinic and they can be left alone. If they are cosmetically bothersome to the patient, they can be removed procedurally through lasers or electrosurgery. It is important to monitor your skin and if there are any lesions you are unsure about and especially if there is anything growing, changing, or bleeding, schedule an appointment to be seen by a dermatologist for evaluation to make sure it is not one of the possible ‘mimics.’”
Schedule an Appointment
If you live in the Phoenix area, you can schedule an appointment at Medical Dermatology Specialists Phoenix with Dr. Koblinski or one of their other trusted dermatologists to discuss cherry angiomas and other skin health concerns. Not in the Phoenix area? U.S. Dermatology Partners has locations across the country. Scheduling a consultation visit is quick and easy. Just fill out our online scheduling request form, and a local dermatology team member will be in touch.
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