This article will discuss everything about cherry angiomas, their causes, how to treat them, and more. Keep reading. A cherry angioma is red to purple or blue. It is round or oval in shape. Its size could range from a pinpoint to one-fourth of an inch in diameter. Some cherry angiomas are flat, while others are slightly elevated (1). They are usually found on the chest, arms, legs, and shoulders. Not all mole-like elevations on the skin are cherry angiomas. To recognize them, you need to know their symptoms. Read the next section to find out more.
A bright red growth that appears on the skin. It may appear raised or flat. It can be of different colors but is mostly red, blue, or purple. It may be firm to the touch at the center. Bleeding, irritation, swelling, and other signs of inflammation.
But what is the reason behind cherry angiomas? Keep scrolling to find out!
What Causes A Cherry Angioma?
The exact cause of a cherry angioma is not fully known, but some of the purported causes are (1):
Genetics Aging Hormonal changes like pregnancy. Sun exposure. Chemical exposure, especially bromide (found in pesticides and food additives) Certain medical disorders Climate change Liver disease
Christine J. Ko, MD, Professor of Dermatology and Pathology at Yale University, adds, “What we know now is that they seem to be an age-related phenomenon (young adults and children do not have them). There may be underlying genetic mutations in GNAQ and GNA11 in the cherry angioma, but the exact pathway of how those genetic changes lead to cherry angioma is not completely known.” So, is it possible to remove a cherry angioma at home? Find out in the next section!
How To Get Rid Of A Cherry Angioma
There is no scientifically proven method to remove cherry angiomas at home. Therefore, people should not attempt to remove them using home remedies. Instead, they should consult a doctor. Then, what is the best way to get rid of cherry angiomas? In the following section, you will learn about several treatment methods used to remove them.
Treatment Options For A Cherry Angioma
It is okay to leave cherry angiomas untreated as they do not create any health issues. But you have options if you want to remove them for cosmetic reasons. There are four effective options for treating angiomas (1):
- Laser Surgery/Therapy: A pulsed dye laser (PDL) removes the cherry angioma. A powerful yellow laser produces heat to eradicate the lesion in PDL. This technique is a relatively quick procedure.
- Cryosurgery: This procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the region, which results in a blister. The blister heals into a scab, which eventually flakes off, removing the cherry angioma.
- Electrocauterization: This method involves the removal of skin growths by burning them off. It is commonly used for benign tumors, severe skin malignancies, and pre-cancers. First, an anesthetic may be administered. Then, the doctor uses an electric needle to disrupt the blood vessels and scrape the angioma off the abnormal tissue.
- Shave Excision: This is the least used method of treating cherry angiomas. It may leave a scar after the procedure. The lesion is shaved off with a scalpel after administering local anesthesia. It may take time to heal. Are you concerned about the possible complications of cherry angiomas? Read on to know more.
Risk Factors And Complications
Usually, cherry angiomas do not cause any complications. But their frequent occurrence at the same site may lead to irritation and bleeding. Want to know when you should see a doctor? Find out in the next section.
When To See A Doctor
Cherry angiomas are mostly harmless. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis right away.
A sudden rash of numerous lesions. When the lesion starts affecting your daily life. Changes in the red bump. If the lesion is irritated, bleeding, or bothering you in some way.
The Final Takeaway
A cherry angioma is a small, benign red growth on the skin made up of tiny blood vessels. It is usually the size of a small mole, but it can grow much larger and appear anywhere on the body. These angiomas are mostly found on the chest, belly, back, arms, and legs. They are not treatable with topical medications, so you will have to see a doctor to get rid of them. Some cosmetic surgeries may safely remove these bumps as well. Since several skin malignancies can have a similar appearance, it is crucial to consult a board-certified dermatologist before opting for cosmetic removal. Do cherry angiomas get bigger? Yes, it is possible for cherry angiomas to grow into a bigger bump. It is harmless and can be managed with the right treatment options. Can melanoma look like cherry angioma? Yes, cherry angioma can be confused with melanoma. The difference is that cherry angiomas are red or black and have lesions that easily tear. Melanomas are blue or black, asymmetrical with irregular borders (2). Are cherry angiomas caused by a vitamin deficiency? The exact cause behind cherry angiomas is unknown. However, it has been linked to genetic mutation (1).
