What are the treatment options for cherry angioma (campbell de morgan spots)?

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Last updated: April 12, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Cherry angiomas can be effectively treated with various methods, including laser therapy, electrocautery, cryosurgery, and shave excision, with laser therapy being a preferred option due to its effectiveness and minimal side effects, as reported in a systematic review published in 2020 1. When considering treatment options for cherry angiomas, it's essential to weigh the benefits and risks of each method.

  • Laser therapy, particularly pulsed dye laser (PDL), has been shown to be effective in treating cherry angiomas with minimal procedure-related pain and risk of pigmentary complications, especially in individuals with darker skin tones 1.
  • Electrocautery, cryosurgery, and shave excision are also viable options, but they may carry a higher risk of side effects, such as scarring, infection, or bleeding.
  • A randomized controlled trial published in 2010 compared the efficacy of PDL, potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser, and electrodesiccation in treating cherry angiomas, finding that laser therapy, especially PDL, may minimize the likelihood of treatment-associated textural change 2.
  • Another study published in 2023 highlighted the clinical relevance of cherry angiomas, suggesting a link between these lesions and exposure to toxic substances, medications, and immunosuppression, which may inform treatment decisions 3.
  • The anatomic distribution of cherry angiomas has also been studied, with a 2022 study finding that these lesions are more common on the trunk, particularly in males, and increase with age 4.
  • A case report published in 2009 noted a rare complication of pyogenic granuloma following PDL therapy for cherry angioma, emphasizing the importance of discussing potential risks with patients before treatment 5. Overall, the choice of treatment for cherry angiomas should be individualized, taking into account the patient's skin type, lesion location, and personal preferences, with a focus on minimizing risks and optimizing outcomes.

References

Research

Treatment Modalities for Cherry Angiomas: A Systematic Review.

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 2020

Research

Clinical Relevance of Cherry Angiomas.

Actas dermo-sifiliograficas, 2023

Research

Anatomic Distribution of Cherry Angiomas in the General Population.

Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland), 2022

Research

Pyogenic granuloma complicating pulsed-dye laser therapy for cherry angioma.

The Australasian journal of dermatology, 2009

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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