From the Research
Cherry angiomas are benign vascular proliferations that do not require treatment unless they cause bleeding, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns, and the most effective treatment options include laser therapy, electrocautery, cryotherapy, or shave excision, as reported in the most recent study 1.
Overview of Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are small, bright red growths on the skin that are very common, especially in adults over 30. They are made up of clusters of dilated blood vessels and typically appear as round, smooth bumps ranging from pinpoint to about 1/4 inch in diameter. These growths usually develop on the torso, arms, and legs, though they can appear anywhere on the body.
Treatment Options
If removal is desired, options include:
- Electrocautery (burning with an electric current)
- Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
- Laser therapy, with pulsed dye laser (PDL) being a preferred option due to decreased procedure-related pain 1
- Shave excision The exact cause of cherry angiomas isn't fully understood, but they tend to increase in number with age and may have genetic factors involved, as well as potential contributions from pregnancy, climate, and certain chemical exposures.
Considerations and Recommendations
While generally not a health concern, any sudden appearance of multiple cherry angiomas or changes in existing ones should be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out other conditions. The most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that a variety of therapeutic modalities exist for the treatment of cherry angiomas, but no therapy has proven to be superior, and the choice of treatment should be based on individual patient needs and preferences. Additionally, potential complications of treatment, such as pyogenic granuloma, should be discussed with patients prior to performing procedures like pulsed-dye laser therapy 2.