Cherry angiomas are common, benign skin growths that appear as small, bright red dots. Although typically harmless, their appearance often causes cosmetic concern, prompting many to seek removal options. Understanding what these spots are and recognizing the limitations of do-it-yourself treatments is crucial for safe management.
Understanding Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are vascular lesions consisting of a cluster of tiny, dilated capillaries close to the skin’s surface. This concentration of blood vessels gives them their characteristic bright cherry-red color, though they may also appear purple or dark red. They are typically dome-shaped or slightly raised, have a smooth texture, and range in size from a pinpoint to about a quarter-inch in diameter.
These growths are benign and are strongly associated with the natural aging process, often beginning to appear after age 30. While the exact cause is unknown, genetics and hormonal factors, such as those seen during pregnancy, may play a role in their development. They most commonly appear on the torso, arms, and shoulders.
Evaluating Common DIY Removal Claims
Many people attempt to remove these spots at home using unproven topical substances like apple cider vinegar, iodine, or tea tree oil. These liquids are promoted online with the hope that they will dry out or shrink the vascular tissue. However, there is no scientific evidence that these household remedies are effective for removing cherry angiomas. They are ineffective at best and can cause skin irritation or chemical burns at worst.
The greatest risk comes from attempting physical removal, such as scraping, cutting, tying off the lesion, or using over-the-counter freezing kits. Since cherry angiomas are dense clusters of blood vessels, physical removal often results in significant and prolonged bleeding. Breaking the skin barrier in a non-sterile environment also greatly increases the risk of infection, pain, and permanent scarring. Incomplete removal is common, which can lead to recurrence or discolored patches.
Safe Management and Monitoring Strategies
Since aggressive home removal is unsafe, the best strategy is safe management and diligent monitoring. For those concerned about appearance, cosmetic coverage with makeup is a non-invasive way to manage visibility. If an angioma is located in an area subject to frequent friction, such as under a bra strap, protecting it from rubbing can prevent irritation and spontaneous bleeding.
Cherry angiomas should be stable growths that do not change rapidly over time. Any lesion that quickly changes in size, color, or shape, or begins to bleed spontaneously, warrants immediate medical evaluation. While cherry angiomas are benign, certain forms of skin cancer, such as amelanotic melanoma, can sometimes resemble them. A healthcare provider can provide an accurate diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions.
Professional Treatment Options
For those who wish to remove a cherry angioma for cosmetic reasons, several safe and effective procedures are available in a clinical setting. These professional methods minimize the risks of infection and scarring associated with home attempts. The goal of these treatments is to safely destroy the blood vessels that make up the lesion.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery uses a controlled electrical current to heat and destroy the angioma tissue.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to the spot, freezing the lesion and causing it to fall off.
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)
The pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment is often considered the standard for vascular lesions. It uses a specific wavelength of light to target the red pigment in the blood vessels, causing them to collapse and fade. These procedures are typically quick and are performed by a dermatologist.