Cherry Angioma - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
By ScanSkinAI Editorial Team✓ Reviewed for medical safetyLast updated June 2026
Small, bright red growths on the skin made up of blood vessels. They're also known as senile angiomas or Campbell de Morgan spots. They're very common and generally harmless, typically appearing after age 30.
Concerned this might be cherry angioma? Scan it with our AI skin checker for instant analysis, or use our AI mole checker for pigmented lesions. Browse all 80+ skin conditions in our directory.
Quick Answer
Cherry angiomas are small, bright red spots on the skin made up of clustered blood vessels. They are incredibly common, generally harmless, and typically begin appearing around age 30, increasing in number as you get older. These spots do not turn into cancer and usually require no medical treatment whatsoever. However, if a spot frequently catches on clothing and bleeds, or if you simply wish to remove it for cosmetic reasons, a dermatologist can easily treat it using a laser, minor surgery, or freezing.
Clinical Context
Cherry angiomas are the most common benign vascular proliferation, affecting approximately 50% of adults. They increase in number and size with age. The lesions are composed of dilated capillaries and post-capillary venules. While the cause is unknown, they're associated with aging, genetic factors, and possibly hormonal changes. Cherry angiomas have no malignant potential and don't require treatment unless for cosmetic reasons or if they're repeatedly traumatized.
Symptoms
- Small, bright red or purple spot
- Dome-shaped or flat
- Size ranges from pinpoint to 1/4 inch (rarely larger)
- Smooth or slightly raised surface
- May bleed if injured
- Number increases with age
Severity & Progression
Causes & Risk Factors
- Aging (most significant factor)
- Genetic factors
- Hormonal changes
- Possible chemical exposure
- Unknown triggering mechanism
Treatment & Management
No treatment is medically necessary for cherry angiomas. If removal is desired for cosmetic reasons or due to repeated trauma/bleeding, several effective options exist. Electrosurgery uses electrical current to destroy the growth. Pulsed dye laser selectively targets the red color. Cryotherapy freezes the lesion. Shave excision surgically removes raised lesions. All methods are quick, performed in-office with local anesthesia, and have minimal scarring.
- Usually no treatment needed
- Electrosurgery (quick and effective)
- Pulsed dye laser treatment
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Shave excision for larger lesions
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Red Flags & Complications
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Bleeding if traumatized (minor)
- Cosmetic concern only
- No malignant transformation risk
Self-Care Tips
- Protect from trauma if frequently injured
- Monitor for changes to report to doctor
- No prevention measures available
When to See a Doctor
If growth changes in appearance, bleeds frequently, or if you're uncertain about the diagnosis (to rule out other conditions)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cherry angioma exactly look like?
A cherry angioma usually appears as a small, bright red or reddish-purple spot on the skin. It can be completely flat or form a smooth, raised, dome-like bump. They are typically quite small, ranging from the size of a pinpoint up to about a quarter of an inch in diameter. While commonly bright red, they can sometimes appear darker.
Why am I suddenly getting so many of these red spots?
It is completely normal for cherry angiomas to increase in both number and size as you get older. Aging is the most significant factor, which is why they are often noticed after age 30. Genetics also play a major role, so if your parents have them, you are likely to get them too. Hormonal changes might also trigger their development.
Are cherry angiomas dangerous or a sign of skin cancer?
No, cherry angiomas are completely benign and have absolutely no potential to turn into skin cancer. They are just harmless collections of small blood vessels. However, it is always important to have any new, changing, or unusual skin lesions checked by a healthcare professional just to make sure the spot is actually a cherry angioma and not another skin condition.
Is there a way to safely remove a cherry angioma at home?
You should never try to cut off, burn, or remove a cherry angioma at home. Because they are made of concentrated blood vessels, attempting to remove them yourself can lead to severe bleeding, infection, and significant scarring. If you want a spot removed for cosmetic reasons or because it catches on clothing, see a dermatologist for a quick, safe in-office procedure.
How do dermatologists get rid of cherry angiomas?
If removal is desired, dermatologists have several quick, effective options usually done with local anesthesia. They can use electrosurgery to safely burn the growth, a pulsed dye laser or intense pulsed light to target the red blood vessels, or cryotherapy to freeze it off. Raised spots can also be surgically shaved flat. These in-office treatments typically result in minimal scarring.
Can I do anything to stop new cherry angiomas from forming?
Unfortunately, there is no proven way to prevent cherry angiomas from developing. Because they are primarily linked to the natural aging process and your genetics, they are just a normal part of how your skin changes over time. Your best approach is simply to monitor them and protect them from friction if they are in an area where they might get scratched.
When should I be worried enough to show my red spot to a doctor?
You should see a healthcare provider if your spot changes shape, size, or color, or if its borders become irregular. It is also a good idea to seek medical advice if the spot bleeds frequently, feels painful, or if you simply are not sure what it is. A professional evaluation ensures an accurate diagnosis and rules out more serious conditions.
How can ScanSkinAI help if I find a new cherry angioma?
ScanSkinAI allows you to take a clear, well-lit photo of the red spot to better understand its visual characteristics and compare it to common skin growths. Our AI serves as an educational screening aid to provide helpful context, but it cannot offer a definitive medical diagnosis. You should always consult a qualified healthcare provider to confirm if a spot is a cherry angioma.
Related Conditions
Medical References
Information on this page is sourced from and verified against reputable medical resources:
Concerned About Your Skin?
Upload a photo and get instant AI-powered analysis across 80+ skin conditions. Track your condition over time with photo timelines, or use our dedicated AI mole checker for moles and pigmented lesions.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.