Cherry angiomas are small, bright red or purple raised bumps on the skin made of clustered blood vessels, and while their exact cause isn’t fully understood, they’re strongly associated with aging (becoming more common after age 30 and increasing with age), genetics, and possibly hormonal changes, pregnancy, and certain chemical exposures. They’re extremely common, benign (non-cancerous), and generally harmless, meaning most people don’t need treatment unless they want one removed for cosmetic reasons or it’s being irritated by clothing or friction.
This guide covers what cherry angiomas are, what causes them, how they differ from other red skin spots, and answers to common questions about identifying and managing them.
What Are Cherry Angiomas?
Cherry angiomas (also called Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas) are benign growths made up of clusters of small, dilated blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin’s surface, which is what gives them their characteristic bright red or purple color. They typically appear as small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps, ranging from pinpoint size to about a quarter-inch, and most commonly develop on the torso, though they can appear anywhere on the body. They’re one of the most common benign skin growths in adults, with most people developing at least a few by middle age.
What Causes Cherry Angiomas?
The exact cause of cherry angiomas isn’t fully understood, but several factors are associated with their development:
- Aging — cherry angiomas become increasingly common with age, typically starting to appear around age 30 and increasing in number over subsequent decades, which is part of why they’re sometimes referred to informally as a normal part of skin aging
- Genetics — there appears to be a hereditary component, with cherry angiomas often running in families
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes — some research suggests hormonal shifts, including those during pregnancy, may play a role in triggering new cherry angiomas or increasing existing ones
- Climate and chemical exposure — some studies have explored links between certain environmental or chemical exposures (like bromide compounds) and increased cherry angioma development, though this isn’t considered a major or common cause for most people
- Underlying medical conditions — a sudden, significant increase in the number of cherry angiomas (called eruptive cherry angiomas) has rarely been associated with certain underlying conditions, though this is uncommon and most cherry angiomas develop gradually without any related health issue
Are Cherry Angiomas Dangerous?
No, cherry angiomas are benign and not cancerous, and they don’t turn into skin cancer. They generally don’t require any medical treatment and are considered a cosmetic, not a health, concern for the vast majority of people. The main reasons someone might seek removal are cosmetic preference, or if a cherry angioma is located somewhere it gets repeatedly irritated, scratched, or bleeds from friction (such as under a bra strap or waistband).
How to Tell a Cherry Angioma From Other Red Spots
Cherry angiomas are typically well-defined, symmetrical, smooth, dome-shaped bumps with a consistent bright red or purple color that doesn’t change significantly over time. This is different from concerning changes that warrant medical evaluation, such as a spot that’s asymmetrical, has irregular or blurred borders, changes color or shape, bleeds without an obvious cause like friction, grows rapidly, or doesn’t fit the classic, stable appearance of a typical cherry angioma. While cherry angiomas themselves aren’t a skin cancer risk, any new or changing skin growth that doesn’t match this typical, stable pattern is worth having checked by a dermatologist to rule out other causes.
Cherry Angioma Removal Options
- Laser therapy (such as pulsed dye laser) — targets the blood vessels directly and is a common, effective removal method with minimal downtime
- Electrocautery — uses heat to destroy the blood vessels, typically performed in a dermatologist’s office under local anesthetic
- Cryotherapy — freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen, another common in-office option
- Shave excision — surgically shaving off the growth, sometimes used for larger angiomas
These procedures are generally quick and well tolerated, though removal is considered cosmetic and typically isn’t covered by insurance, and new cherry angiomas can still develop elsewhere over time since removal doesn’t address the underlying tendency to form them.
When to See a Doctor
While cherry angiomas themselves are harmless, it’s worth having a dermatologist evaluate any skin growth that’s new, changing in size, shape, or color, bleeding without clear cause, or doesn’t fit the typical, symmetrical, stable appearance of a classic cherry angioma, since this helps rule out other, less common but more concerning causes of red or dark skin spots. A sudden appearance of many new cherry angiomas at once is also worth mentioning to a doctor, even though this is rarely linked to anything serious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes cherry angiomas to suddenly appear?
Cherry angiomas typically develop gradually with age, though hormonal changes, including pregnancy, may contribute to new ones appearing. A sudden, significant increase in number is uncommon and, while usually not serious, is worth mentioning to a doctor.
Can cherry angiomas turn into skin cancer?
No, cherry angiomas are benign and do not turn into skin cancer. However, any new or changing skin growth that doesn’t have the classic, stable appearance of a typical cherry angioma should be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out other causes.
Do cherry angiomas go away on their own?
Cherry angiomas typically don’t go away on their own once formed, and they tend to persist unless actively removed through a procedure like laser therapy, electrocautery, or cryotherapy.
Why do cherry angiomas increase with age?
The exact reason isn’t fully understood, but cherry angiomas are strongly associated with aging, becoming increasingly common after age 30 and continuing to develop over subsequent decades, likely related to age-related changes in blood vessels and possibly genetic factors.
Is it safe to remove a cherry angioma at home?
Attempting to remove a cherry angioma at home isn’t recommended, since it can cause bleeding, scarring, or infection, and it doesn’t allow for confirmation that the growth is actually a benign cherry angioma rather than something else. Removal should be done by a dermatologist using an appropriate in-office procedure.
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Informational only — not medical advice. See a dermatologist to evaluate any new or changing skin growth, and for guidance on removal options if desired.