Cherry Angiomas: Causes, Removal Methods & FAQs

Written by an Expert Aesthetic Content Writer Lisa.
Reviewed by Expert Medical Director Dr. Raj Thethi
Published on: December 6, 2024
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Skin Condition

Cherry Angioma

Have you ever wondered why your cherry angiomas appear pink or red? It is because they are made up of small blood vessels. If you are worried about their presence—know that these skin growths are harmless and do not pose any health risks.

However, if you are unhappy with how they appear on your face or neck, you may consider removing them. 

Understanding their causes, symptoms, and best removal methods will help you make informed decisions to step towards cherry angioma removal. Let’s explore all these sections in detail. 

What are Cherry Angiomas?

Cherry angiomas are raised bumps on your skin that appear as small, red, purplish or ruby-coloured spots. These bumps are made up of small blood vessels or capillaries that have clumped together, forming a raised spot on your skin. 

The size of these pink moles may vary from a tiny pinpoint to several millimetres. 

Where do they Appear? 

Cherry angiomas may develop anywhere on your body; however, they are mostly seen on:

  • Trunk
  • Arms
  • Shoulders
  • Leg
  • Face 

What Do Cherry Angiomas Look Like?

cherry angioma photo

Cherry angiomas may appear as:

  • Bumps on skin
  • Size ranging from 1mm to 5mm
  • Red, purple or ruby colour
  • Pale halo in the surrounding
  • Often appear in clusters/groups

What Are Cherry Angioma Causes?

The exact cherry angioma causes are unclear, but their development is strongly linked to factors like:

1. Ageing

These harmless skin lesions are mostly seen in older people. Their development may be due to the ageing process.

2. Genetics

According to the National Library of Medicine, mutations in various genes may cause cherry angiomas. 

3. Pregnancy

The hormonal ups and downs during pregnancy may play a role in their development. 

What Causes Their Sudden & Excessive Development?

Eruptive cherry angiomas mean their multiple, sudden and excessive development.  According to the National Library of Medicine, it may be because of:

  • A side effect of cyclosporine (a medicine that weakens the immune system to treat autoimmune diseases)
  • A side effect of nitrogen mustard used on skin
  • Long-term graft-host disease
  • Human herpesvirus-8 

Who is at Risk of Developing Red Angiomas?

Anybody can develop cherry angiomas, but some individuals are at risk of their development. They include:

  • Individuals above age 40. It is estimated that 75% of people over age 75 have cherry angiomas.
  • Individuals with white skin tone
  • People with a family history of red moles
  • Pregnant women (in rare cases)

Are These Cancerous Growths?

No, cherry angiomas are non-cancerous growths. These are benign and pose no health risks. 

However, if you see that they are suddenly changing in size, appearance, or numbers, you should talk to your doctor for a timely evaluation of any underlying issue.

How to Get Rid of Cherry Angiomas at Home? Is it Safe?

As cherry angiomas contain blood vessels, attempting to remove them at home is generally unsafe and not recommended. Although many DIY methods are floating around online, those are usually unsafe if not done carefully as they may lead to:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Scarring
  • Risks of infections. 

Cherry Angioma Removal: How the Doctor Treats Them?

Cherry Angioma Removal

Talk to your doctor if you are seeking professional help for red angioma removal. They will assess your skin lesions and their condition and determine the suitable removal method to help you get the desired clearer skin.

Here are some professional cherry angioma removal methods that your doctor may choose:

1. Electrocauterisation

The doctor will use a small probe to deliver current to your red mole, which produces heat and burns it off. During this procedure, a grounding pad is placed on your body to safely conduct the current. The burnt angioma eventually fries up and falls off, leaving clear skin behind. 

2. ThermaVein

Thermavein is an innovative cherry angioma removal method that uses thermocoagulation. The doctor will use a fine probe to deliver a micro-curet to blood vessels into your red mole. This current will seal the blood vessels, causing the angioma to disappear. It is a quick method with no downtime and is ideal for treating individual or numerous small angiomas, especially in sensitive areas where precision is crucial.

Bonus Tip: Apart from cherry angiomas, if you have milk spots, know that Thermavein is an effective and safe solution for milia removal. Read more about how to get rid of Milia

3. Surgical Excision

During surgical excision, the doctor will shave off the cherry angioma from your skin’s surface with a surgical scalpel. The practitioner will then carefully remove the top portion of the skin where the angioma resides. Electrocauterisation may be used immediately afterwards to manage any bleeding.

4. Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery, as the name suggests, involves freezing your cherry angioma with liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold causes the angioma to freeze and eventually fall off as the skin heals. Your doctor may perform a few sessions of cryosurgery, depending on the size or number of cherry angiomas. 

5. Laser Therapy

The laser device delivers a concentrated beam of light on the skin lesion to heat and destroy the blood vessels within the angioma. Your doctor may use Different types of lasers, such as Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) or Nd laser, depending on the angioma’s size, location, and skin type. The treatment usually requires one to three sessions.

Talk To Your Doctor About Cherry Angiomas.

Cherry angiomas are common and harmless skin growths. However, their appearance can be cosmetically bothersome for many people like you. If you are considering cherry angioma removal, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified skin doctor or aesthetic practitioner who can assess your skin and recommend the best treatment options. 

Professional treatments like surgical excisions, lasers, and cryosurgery offer safe and effective solutions. Moreover, if you seek a quick method with no downtime, Thermavein treatment can be particularly beneficial. By consulting an expert and getting guidance, you may achieve the desired results safely, ensuring your skin looks clear and healthy. 

Cherry Angiomas—FAQs

1. How are cherry angiomas diagnosed?

The doctor will diagnose your cherry angiomas with a physical examination. However, in rare cases, they may take a skin biopsy sample to diagnose it. 

2. Will cherry angioma go away?

Usually, cherry angiomas do not go away on their own. Those developed during pregnancy may become smaller or vanish after the birth of a baby. Otherwise, you may consult a dermatologist for red angioma removal.

3. How to get rid of cherry angiomas?

To get rid of cherry angiomas, talk to your doctor. They will assess your skin, ask about your medical history, and then determine a professional treatment. They may choose electrocauterisation, cryosurgery, Thermavein, or laser therapy.

4. Can I remove cherry angioma at home?

No, it is not recommended to remove cherry angiomas at home. As these skin growths contain blood vessels, removing them at home may cause excessive bleeding, infection, or scarring. 

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About the Author

Dr. Raj Thethi

Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC-registered medical clinic. It is led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetics. Dr Raj Thethi is a Northern Territory Regional Expert for an international dermal filler company called Teoxane. He also sits on their National UK Faculty.

View all posts by Dr. Raj Thethi

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