Cherry angiomas are common, bright red skin growths. Attempting to pop them like a pimple is not advised and can lead to significant complications due to their underlying structure.
Understanding Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are benign skin growths composed of small blood vessels. They are also known by other names such as Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas. These growths typically present as small, dome-shaped papules ranging from about 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter, though they can vary in size. While most commonly bright red, they can also appear blue or purple.
These angiomas usually develop on the torso, arms, legs, and shoulders. They are a common occurrence, with an estimated 75% of individuals over 75 years of age having them, though they can appear in younger adults and even adolescents. The exact cause of cherry angiomas is not fully understood, but they are believed to result from a proliferation of capillaries and are often associated with aging, genetics, and sometimes hormonal changes like pregnancy.
The Dangers of Self-Treatment
Attempting to “pop” a cherry angioma is strongly discouraged due to the inherent risks. Unlike a pimple, which contains pus, a cherry angioma is a cluster of blood vessels, making it prone to significant bleeding if ruptured.
Beyond bleeding, self-treatment significantly increases the risk of infection. Using unsterile tools or unclean hands can introduce bacteria into the open wound, leading to localized infections, redness, swelling, and pain. Such infections can prolong healing and potentially require medical intervention. Furthermore, manipulating the delicate skin tissue can cause permanent scarring, which may be more noticeable than the original angioma.
There is also the possibility of misdiagnosing a more serious skin condition. Some forms of skin cancer, such as amelanotic melanoma, can sometimes resemble a cherry angioma. Self-treating a lesion without a professional diagnosis means a potentially cancerous growth could go unchecked, delaying necessary medical treatment. Products marketed for at-home removal lack scientific evidence of effectiveness and can be harmful.
Professional Removal Methods
Since self-treatment is not advised, several safe and effective professional methods are available for cherry angioma removal, typically performed by a dermatologist. These procedures are usually quick and minimally invasive.
- Electrocautery, also known as electrodesiccation, utilizes a small probe to deliver an electric current that burns and destroys the angioma tissue, effectively sealing the blood vessels.
- Cryosurgery involves freezing the angioma with liquid nitrogen, causing the blood vessels to collapse and the lesion to eventually fall off.
- Laser therapy employs concentrated light beams, such as pulsed dye lasers or Nd:YAG lasers, to heat and destroy the abnormal blood vessels without damaging surrounding skin.
- For larger or raised angiomas, a shave excision might be performed, where the growth is carefully shaved off at the skin surface, often followed by electrocautery to control bleeding.
When to Consult a Doctor
While cherry angiomas are generally harmless, seeking professional medical advice is always recommended for any new or changing skin lesion. It is particularly important to consult a doctor if a cherry angioma changes in size, shape, or color, or if it starts to bleed spontaneously.
Pain or discomfort associated with an angioma also warrants a medical evaluation. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the lesion and differentiate it from other, potentially more serious, skin conditions. They can then recommend the most appropriate course of action, whether it’s observation or professional removal.