A cherry angioma is a common, non-cancerous skin growth made up of a dense cluster of small blood vessels, or capillaries. These lesions frequently appear as small, bright red or purple spots, leading many people to wonder if they can be treated like a pimple. This article explains the biological nature of these growths, details the risks associated with any attempt at self-removal, and outlines the safe, professional alternatives available for those who choose to have them removed.
What Exactly is a Cherry Angioma?
Cherry angiomas are vascular lesions, meaning they originate from an overgrowth and dilation of blood vessels in the upper layer of the skin. This concentration of tiny blood vessels gives the growth its characteristic bright, cherry-red color and name. Often referred to as senile angiomas or Campbell de Morgan spots, they are the most common type of vascular growth to appear on the skin.
These dome-shaped or flat-topped papules typically range in size from a pinpoint to about six millimeters in diameter. They are considered medically harmless and pose no health risk, but they tend to increase in both number and size as a person ages, often appearing after the age of 30. While the exact triggers are not fully known, genetics, aging, and hormonal shifts are believed to play a role. Since they are composed of blood vessel clusters and not blocked pores or debris, they are fundamentally different from a pimple or cyst.
The Risks of Attempting Self-Removal
Attempting to pop, squeeze, or pierce a cherry angioma is dangerous because the underlying biological structure makes self-removal ineffective. Unlike acne, which contains pus and oil, this growth is a compact mass of fragile blood vessels. Any trauma to the lesion will result in immediate, often significant, bleeding that can be difficult to stop. Since the vessels are highly concentrated, the volume of blood released can exceed that of a typical minor cut.
This kind of aggressive self-treatment creates an open wound, which significantly increases the risk of localized infection. Introducing bacteria from the skin or from unsterilized tools into the exposed tissue can lead to redness, swelling, and pain. A secondary infection may require medical intervention, which is a complication that could have been easily avoided.
Furthermore, the act of forcefully destroying the growth rarely removes the entire lesion effectively. Instead of clean removal, the result is usually residual tissue damage that leads to permanent scarring or discoloration. The resulting scar tissue or noticeable mark is often more prominent and cosmetically concerning than the original small, red spot.
Safe and Effective Removal Methods
For individuals who wish to remove a cherry angioma for cosmetic reasons, or because it bleeds often due to friction from clothing, several safe and minimally invasive procedures are available through a dermatology professional. These methods are designed to specifically target and destroy the concentrated blood vessels while protecting the surrounding skin. The procedures are quick, typically done in an outpatient setting, and focus on precise techniques to reduce the chance of scarring.
One common approach is electrocauterization, which uses a fine, electric needle to generate heat that effectively burns and destroys the blood vessels within the angioma. Another highly effective method is laser treatment, often utilizing a pulsed dye laser (PDL). This laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood, selectively obliterating the vessel cluster without harming the outer skin layers.
For larger or more raised lesions, a doctor may recommend a shave excision, where a fine blade is used to shave off the growth. This is often followed by light electrocautery to seal the remaining vessel tissue and stop bleeding. Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the angioma with liquid nitrogen, is also an option that causes the lesion to scab and fall off within seven to ten days.