Benign Growths & Cysts
Cherry Angiomas
WHAT IS IT
Harmless small red spots made of vessels
HOW COMMON
Very common, increasing with age
CONTAGIOUS?
No — you cannot catch it or spread it
CURABLE?
Harmless; removable for cosmetic reasons
What Is It?
Cherry angiomas are small, bright red, harmless bumps made up of tiny blood vessels. They are extremely common and tend to increase in number with age. They can appear anywhere but are most common on the trunk. They are benign and not a sign of any internal problem.
Signs & Symptoms
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Small, bright red to purple bumps
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Smooth, round, or dome-shaped
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Range from a pinpoint to a few millimeters
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Most common on the trunk, but can be anywhere
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May bleed if bumped or scratched
Why Does It Happen?
Cherry angiomas form when small blood vessels cluster together near the skin surface. The exact cause isn't known, but they become more common with age and often run in families. They are completely benign — NOT cancerous, NOT contagious, and not linked to internal disease.
Treatment Options
No treatment is needed because they are harmless. Removal is purely cosmetic, or done if a spot bleeds repeatedly from irritation.
LEAVE IT ALONE
The usual choice — they are harmless and need no treatment.
LASER TREATMENT
Targets the blood vessels to fade the spot for cosmetic reasons.
ELECTROCAUTERY
Burning off the spot with a small electrical device.
SHAVE REMOVAL
Removing a bump that repeatedly catches and bleeds.
Tips for Managing It at Home
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Avoid picking or scratching to prevent bleeding
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Note any spot that changes shape, color, or grows quickly
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Removal is optional and mostly cosmetic
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Reassurance: these are a normal, benign part of aging skin
When to Call Your Provider
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A spot changes color, grows, or has irregular borders
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A spot bleeds often or won't stop bleeding
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You notice a sudden shower of many new spots
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You're unsure whether a spot is a cherry angioma
Sources & further reading
The information in this handout is based on general dermatology guidance from the reputable organizations below. These links are provided for patients who wish to read more from trusted sources.
DermNet. Cherry Angioma. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/cherry-angioma
Cleveland Clinic. Cherry Angioma. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22423-cherry-angioma
MSD/Merck Manual. Cherry Angioma. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/benign-skin-tumors-growths-and-vascular-lesions/cherry-angioma
This handout is for general education and does not replace advice from your own provider. Always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
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