You’re putting on lotion or checking your skin in the mirror when you notice it—a tiny red dot that looks almost like a speck of red ink. It doesn’t hurt, itch, or change color. So, what is it?
Chances are, it’s a cherry angioma—a small, bright red skin growth that’s both common and usually harmless.
What Exactly Is a Cherry Angioma?
A cherry angioma is a cluster of tiny blood vessels that form a red (sometimes purple) bump just under the skin’s surface. They’re often dome-shaped, range in size from a pinpoint to a few millimeters, and can appear almost anywhere on the body—though they’re most common on the torso, arms, and shoulders.
These spots can look a little alarming, especially if they seem to pop up overnight, but they’re benign. That means they aren’t cancerous and, in most cases, don’t pose any health risk.
Why Do People Get Them?
The short answer: we don’t know exactly. But age seems to be the biggest factor. Cherry angiomas are incredibly common after age 30 and become more frequent as we get older. Some people call them “senile angiomas” for that reason (not the kindest nickname, but it gets the point across).
Other possible cherry angioma causes include:
- Genetics: If your parents have them, chances are you will too.
- Hormonal changes: Some people notice more during pregnancy.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: Like bromides or even some industrial products.
- Liver health or underlying conditions: Rarely, a sudden outbreak of many angiomas could be linked to other medical issues. But this is the exception, not the rule.
When to Worry
Cherry angiomas don’t usually need treatment. However, there are a few times you might want to talk to a doctor or dermatologist:
- If one starts bleeding often or won’t stop bleeding
- If it changes shape, color, or size quickly
- If you notice a sudden explosion of dozens or more at once
While cherry angiomas themselves aren’t dangerous, any fast changes to your skin are worth checking out just to be safe.
Can You Get Rid of Them?
Yes, but usually only for cosmetic reasons. If you find them annoying, unsightly, or prone to bleeding (like if they’re in a spot that gets nicked during shaving), they can be removed in-office using:
- Laser therapy
- Electrocautery (burning)
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
These procedures are quick and low-risk but might not be covered by insurance unless there’s a medical reason.
Bottom Line?
Cherry angiomas are one of those weird, harmless parts of getting older. They might be red, but there’s usually no reason to see them as a red flag.
