Cherry angiomas are small, harmless, bright red bumps made of tiny blood vessels. They are among the most common skin growths in adults, and they do not turn into cancer. Most people never need treatment. They can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed or get irritated.
This article, covers how to recognize them, when to have one checked and how our team removes them.
A cherry angioma is a benign growth formed by a cluster of widened capillaries near the skin’s surface. These concentrated blood vessels give the spot its red color. They are sometimes called senile angiomas.
They are very common. Many adults have at least one by middle age, and the number often grows with each decade.
The exact cause is not fully understood. Genetics plays a strong role, so they often run in families. Aging and hormonal changes such as pregnancy are also linked to new spots.
They usually appear after age 30 and affect men and women equally. People with a family history tend to develop more of them.
Most are smooth, round and bright cherry red to deep purple. They range from pinpoint dots to about a quarter inch across. Some are flat, while others are domed. They appear most often on the chest, back, stomach, arms and shoulders.
Cherry angiomas are usually painless and cause no symptoms. They can bleed if scratched, shaved or rubbed by clothing. Have a spot checked if it changes shape, size or color. The same applies if it bleeds without injury or looks different from your other spots. A sudden outbreak of many new angiomas is also worth an exam.
A visual exam is usually enough. Our physicians may use a dermatoscope, a handheld magnifying light, to see the blood vessel pattern. If a growth looks unusual, a skin biopsy can rule out other conditions such as melanoma.
An evaluation makes sense if you are unsure whether a red or dark spot is an angioma. Some vascular lesions and skin cancers can look similar at first glance. A professional exam gives you a clear answer.
Treatment is not medically necessary. Many patients choose removal because they dislike how the spots look. Others want an angioma removed because it sits where it is often bumped or snagged.
At Minarets Medical Group, Dr. Leah Press and Dr. Markéta Límová evaluate each spot before recommending a removal option. The choice depends on the size, number and location of the angiomas, along with your skin type.
Laser treatment targets the blood vessels inside the angioma so the spot fades. Our office offers laser treatments that include the Cutera laser. We also use it for Facial veins and other vascular lesions. Other common removal methods include electrocautery, freezing and shave removal. Small angiomas often clear in one session, while larger ones may need more.
Cherry angiomas are benign and do not become cancerous. The main concern is bleeding after an injury, which usually stops with gentle pressure.
A treated angioma rarely returns in the same place. New ones can still develop elsewhere over time because the tendency to form them is largely genetic.
There is no proven way to prevent cherry angiomas. Regular skin checks help you track new spots and catch any growth that changes.
Seek care if a spot bleeds often, changes in appearance or causes you worry. Patients who want a cosmetic improvement can also have angiomas evaluated for removal. Many people pair this visit with a check of their moles.
Your visit begins with a review of your skin and any spots that concern you. Our physicians explain what each growth is, whether it needs attention and which removal options fit your goals. You leave knowing whether your spots are harmless and what your next step should be.
If you searched “What Are Cherry Angiomas? A Dermatologist Explains,” here is the takeaway. These red bumps are common, harmless and treatable. Laser and other methods can remove them when they bother you, and any spot that changes deserves a closer look from our doctors.
About the Author
LEAH PRESS, M.D.
October 13, 2026
