Angiomas are common, benign growths that form when small blood vessels cluster together beneath the skin’s surface. These spots can appear anywhere on the body. While generally harmless, many individuals seek removal for purely cosmetic reasons or if the growth becomes irritated. Understanding the nature of these growths and the safe, professional methods for removal is the first step.
What Exactly Is an Angioma?
An angioma results from an excessive grouping of capillaries, creating the characteristic red, blue, or purple spots seen on the skin. The two most common types are the Cherry Angioma and the Spider Angioma.
Cherry Angiomas, also known as Campbell de Morgan spots, appear as small, bright red to dark purple papules, typically found on the torso, arms, and legs. They often emerge after the age of 30, with prevalence increasing significantly in older adults.
Spider Angiomas, or nevus araneus, present a distinct appearance with a central red spot and fine, reddish extensions radiating outward, resembling a spider’s legs. They are most frequently located on the face, neck, or upper chest. Spider Angiomas are often correlated with elevated estrogen levels, making them common during pregnancy or in individuals with certain liver conditions.
When Is Removal Medically Necessary?
The vast majority of angiomas are benign, and their removal is typically an elective procedure driven by cosmetic preference. However, specific signs and symptoms elevate the need for removal to medically necessary. Any angioma that experiences rapid growth, persistent or excessive bleeding, or becomes painful should be evaluated by a dermatologist immediately.
Changes in an angioma’s color, shape, or border also require professional assessment. While angiomas are not cancerous, they can sometimes be confused with more serious skin conditions, such as amelanotic melanoma. Removal may also be advised if the angioma is located in an area subject to frequent friction, which can lead to chronic irritation and recurrent bleeding.
Professional Treatment Options
Professional removal by a licensed medical provider, usually a dermatologist, is the safest and most effective way to eliminate angiomas. These clinical procedures are typically performed in an outpatient setting with minimal discomfort, often using a local anesthetic. The choice of technique depends on the angioma’s size, location, and specific type.
Laser Treatment
One highly effective method is Laser Treatment, often employing a Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) or KTP laser. This technology works by emitting a concentrated beam of light that is specifically absorbed by the hemoglobin within the blood vessels of the angioma. The absorption of light energy generates heat, which coagulates and destroys the targeted blood vessels, causing the lesion to shrink and fade over a few weeks. Laser therapy is favored for its precision and low risk of scarring, especially for smaller and shallower vascular lesions.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to the angioma, which rapidly freezes the tissue. The extreme cold temperature, often reaching -196°C, destroys the clustered cells, causing the angioma to blister and eventually fall off. This procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated, with healing typically occurring within seven to ten days. Cryotherapy is a common choice for smaller, non-raised lesions, and it typically results in minimal to no scarring.
Electrocauterization
Electrocauterization, also known as electrodesiccation, uses a fine probe with an electric current to generate heat. The heat is applied directly to the angioma, effectively burning and sealing the blood vessels within the growth. This controlled thermal destruction is particularly useful for stopping any potential bleeding during the procedure, as it cauterizes the wound simultaneously. Following treatment, a scab forms that falls off within five to ten days, and this method is highly effective for slightly raised lesions.
Shave Excision
For larger or more raised angiomas, a Shave Excision may be necessary. This surgical technique involves using a sharp blade to carefully shave the growth down to the level of the surrounding skin. Following the excision, the base of the wound is often treated with electrocauterization to ensure bleeding stops and to minimize the chance of recurrence. While effective for bulkier lesions, this method carries a slightly higher risk of leaving a small, flat scar compared to the less invasive laser or cryotherapy options.
Addressing At-Home and DIY Removal Methods
The temptation to remove a visible skin growth at home using do-it-yourself (DIY) methods is understandable, but it carries considerable risks and is strongly discouraged by medical experts. Common home remedies, such as applying apple cider vinegar, essential oils, or attempting to physically tie off the lesion, lack any scientific evidence of effectiveness.
Attempting to injure the angioma at home can lead to excessive bleeding, given the concentration of blood vessels. These non-sterile procedures drastically increase the risk of severe bacterial infection, which can complicate healing and necessitate emergency medical care. The most common and permanent negative outcome of DIY removal is significant and often disfiguring scarring. Furthermore, self-diagnosis is dangerous, as a lesion that appears to be a harmless angioma could be a type of skin cancer requiring professional treatment.