A cherry angioma is a common type of benign skin growth that appears as a bright red, dome-shaped spot on the skin. These lesions are composed of clustered, dilated blood vessels, which gives them their characteristic color. Often appearing on the torso, arms, and shoulders, they are generally harmless and do not pose a health risk. Many people wonder if there is a way to prevent them from forming in the first place.
Understanding the Primary Causes
Cherry angiomas are classified as vascular lesions, resulting from an overgrowth of capillaries in the skin’s dermal layer. The exact mechanism that triggers this proliferation is not fully understood, but the two main factors are advanced age and genetic predisposition. Their prevalence increases significantly with age; nearly 50% of adults develop them after age 30, and the incidence rises to over 75% in individuals aged 75 or older.
Genetics also play a substantial role, as these growths often run in families. Hormonal fluctuations can be a minor contributing factor, with an increased number of angiomas sometimes appearing during periods such as pregnancy. These underlying drivers are largely biological processes that cannot be controlled through typical lifestyle changes.
Addressing Prevention Limitations
Because the primary causes are tied to uncontrollable factors like genetics and the natural aging process, there is no reliably successful method to prevent cherry angiomas from forming entirely. No specific dietary regimen, supplement, or exercise routine has been proven to halt the development of these lesions. This lack of a direct preventative measure stems from the fact that the specific trigger for the capillary overgrowth remains unknown.
Some research suggests a link between these growths and exposure to certain external substances, such as specific bromides or topical nitrogen mustard. However, these environmental triggers are rare and avoiding them is not a practical preventative strategy for the average person. While maintaining good overall skin health through sun protection is a worthwhile practice, there is no evidence that avoiding sun exposure directly prevents cherry angioma formation.
Management and Removal Options
Given the limitations on prevention, the focus shifts to management once a cherry angioma appears. Cherry angiomas are benign growths and do not require medical treatment unless they are irritated, bleeding, or causing cosmetic distress. If removal is desired, a dermatologist can use several professional techniques.
Professional Removal Techniques
One common method is laser therapy, which uses a targeted light beam to destroy the blood vessels within the angioma without damaging the surrounding skin. Electrocautery uses a small probe to heat the lesion and destroy the tissue. For smaller lesions, cryosurgery—freezing the spot with liquid nitrogen—may be used. For larger or more raised angiomas, a minor procedure called shave excision may be performed.
It is important that any removal is done by a qualified medical professional, as attempting to remove the lesions at home can lead to infection or scarring. Individuals should consult a doctor if an existing cherry angioma rapidly changes in size, shape, or color, or if it begins to bleed easily.