Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are among the most common skin spots we see, and although they are usually harmless, many people would rather not have them. This guide explains what they are, why they appear and how we approach treatment.
Quick answer
Cherry angiomas are small, bright red spots made up of tiny blood vessels, usually found on the body and more common with age. They are non-cancerous and usually harmless. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster, options including advanced electrolysis and CryoPen can help reduce their appearance, once each spot has been assessed.
What are cherry angiomas?
Cherry angiomas, also known as Campbell de Morgan spots or blood spots, are small growths made up of a cluster of tiny blood vessels. They are usually bright cherry red, although they can look darker or purple over time. Most are round, ranging from a pinhead to a few millimetres across, and can be flat or slightly raised.
They are very common and tend to appear from around the age of 30 onwards, often increasing in number over the years. Some people have only a few, while others develop many. They are most often found on the chest, stomach, back and arms, but can appear almost anywhere. They are not contagious and are not usually painful, although a raised spot may bleed if it is knocked or scratched.
Cherry angiomas are non-cancerous and usually harmless, and treatment is generally a cosmetic choice. Some people choose treatment because a spot is in a visible place, or because a raised spot catches on clothing or jewellery. Any spot that changes quickly, bleeds repeatedly or looks different from your others should be checked by your GP before cosmetic treatment, and your practitioner will assess every spot before treating it.
What causes cherry angiomas?
The exact cause of cherry angiomas is not fully understood. They form when small blood vessels in the skin multiply and cluster together, and they are strongly linked with getting older, which is why they become so common through adulthood. They are a type of benign vascular growth, meaning they are formed from blood vessels and are not cancerous.
Genetics seem to play a part, as they often run in families. Some people also notice new spots appearing during periods of hormonal change, such as pregnancy. They can also appear in younger adults, particularly where there is a family tendency.
In most cases cherry angiomas are simply a normal part of how skin changes with age, rather than something you have caused. Because new ones can develop over time, many people choose to have spots treated as they appear.
- Ageing, the most common factor
- Genetics and family tendency
- Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy
Related treatments
- Advanced ElectrolysisAdvanced electrolysis is a blemish-removal treatment that uses controlled electrical energy, delivered through a very fine probe, to treat selected superficial blemishes and small vessels. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is the preferred route for suitable skin tags, warts and other benign blemishes, once each blemish has been assessed.Find out more
CryoPenCryoPen is a precision cryotherapy device that applies controlled freezing to selected superficial skin lesions. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is offered as another option for suitable benign blemishes, such as some skin tags and warts, alongside advanced electrolysis, which is generally the first choice. Every lesion is assessed before treatment.Find out more
How the options for cherry angiomas differ
| Feature | Advanced Electrolysis | CryoPen |
|---|---|---|
| Type of treatment | Controlled electrical energy delivered through a very fine probe | Cryotherapy, applying controlled freezing |
| At our clinic | Our preferred route for suitable blemishes | Another available option where suitable |
Frequently asked questions
The exact cause is not fully understood, but cherry angiomas are strongly linked with ageing and often run in families. They form when tiny blood vessels in the skin multiply and cluster together. Some people notice new spots during hormonal changes such as pregnancy.
Advanced electrolysis is our preferred route for suitable cherry angiomas, and CryoPen is also available where it suits the spot better. The right choice depends on the size and position of each spot and your skin, which your practitioner assesses at consultation.
It depends on the number, size and type of spots being treated and how your skin responds. Some spots may need more than one session. Your practitioner will give you a realistic idea at consultation.
Comfort levels vary with the treatment, the area and from person to person. Your practitioner will explain what you are likely to feel, and how any discomfort is managed, before treatment begins.
Most people can carry on with their day, although treated areas may be red or form a small scab while they heal. Your practitioner will explain what to expect and give you aftercare to follow while the skin settles.
A treated spot may occasionally need further treatment, and new cherry angiomas can develop over time because they are linked with ageing. Many people choose to have new spots treated as they appear.
Suitability depends on your skin, the spots themselves and your medical history. Your practitioner will assess every spot and discuss your history at consultation before recommending treatment, and will advise you to see your GP first if a spot needs a medical opinion.
The cost depends on the treatment chosen and the number and size of the spots being treated. Current prices are listed on our prices page, and your practitioner will confirm the cost at your consultation in Lancaster.
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