What Are Cherry Angiomas?
If you’ve ever spotted a small, red spot on your skin that hasn’t gone away over time, then you might have discovered a cherry angioma! Also called red moles, senile angiomas, and Campbell de Morgan spots, these common skin growths are a collection of small blood vessels that appear as raised, red to purple bumps anywhere on the body.
Cherry angiomas are considered harmless, so treatment is mainly a cosmetic concern.
Rarely, however, a skin cancer can be mistaken for a cherry angioma. If you notice a sudden increase in the number of red spots or if a pre-existing red spot changes in size, shape, color, or symptom (i.e., bleeding), you should be evaluated at a dermatology clinic.
What Causes Cherry Angiomas?
The reason cherry angiomas develop isn’t known. Age, however, seems to be a major factor, as they’re much more common the older you are. Many specialists believe they may be connected to chemical exposure, genetics, and pregnancy.
How Do You Treat Cherry Angiomas?
Luckily, these won’t need to be treated and there’s no harm in leaving them on your skin, unless you’d like them removed for personal preferences or if they start to change in appearance. If that’s the case, here are your options:
- Cryosurgery, which is focused destruction by freezing with liquid nitrogen
- Electrocauterization, which is focused destruction with a low-level electric current
- Laser destruction
- Shave removal
Do you have any further questions about cherry angiomas? Or would you like to speak to one of our professionals about a potential one on your skin? Get in contact with us by calling 770-251-5111 or scheduling an appointment!
