How do I get rid of cherry angiomas on my skin?

How Do I Get Rid of Cherry Angiomas on My Skin?

Cherry angiomas are common, benign (non-cancerous) red or purple bumps made up of small blood vessels. They often appear on the trunk, arms and legs, especially after age 30. Although harmless, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or because they bleed easily when scratched. Below is a clear, concise overview of causes, treatment options and when to seek medical advice.

What Causes Cherry Angiomas?
Cherry angiomas develop over time for reasons that aren’t fully understood. Possible factors include:

• Genetics: A family history of cherry angiomas increases your risk.
• Age: They become more common after age 30 and tend to increase in number over time.
• Hormonal changes: Some people notice new spots during pregnancy.
• Chemical exposure: Rarely, exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., mustard gas) may play a role.

Signs That Treatment May Be Desired
Most cherry angiomas do not require removal. However, consider treatment if you notice:

• Rapid growth or change in color (seek prompt evaluation)
• Frequent bleeding from minor bumps or catching on clothing
• Bumps in highly visible areas causing self-consciousness

Professional Treatment Options
Dermatologists and other trained providers offer several effective, well-studied procedures. Each has its own pros and cons—your doctor can help you decide which is best for your skin type, lesion size and location.

1. Cryotherapy
   • What it is: Freezing the angioma with liquid nitrogen
   • Pros: Quick, usually well-tolerated, minimal equipment
   • Cons: May cause blistering, temporary skin lightening or darkening

2. Electrocautery (Electrodesiccation)
   • What it is: Burning the lesion with a small electric current
   • Pros: Precise control, effective for small to medium lesions
   • Cons: May leave a small scar, requires local numbing

3. Laser Therapy
   • What it is: Pulsed dye or other vascular lasers target the blood vessels
   • Pros: Excellent cosmetic outcome, minimal scarring
   • Cons: Multiple sessions may be needed, higher cost

4. Shave Excision
   • What it is: Shaving off the raised portion with a small blade under local anesthesia
   • Pros: Immediate removal, allows tissue to be sent for biopsy if needed
   • Cons: Slight risk of bleeding, small scar or indentation

What to Expect During and After Treatment

• Consultation: Your provider examines the spot and discusses options.
• Numbing: Most procedures use topical or injectable local anesthesia.
• Procedure time: Typically under 15 minutes per lesion.
• Sensation: You may feel a brief sting or warmth.
• Aftercare:
  • Keep the area clean and covered as directed.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment if prescribed.
  • Avoid sun exposure on the treated spot for several weeks.
• Healing: Most spots heal within 1–3 weeks; redness or discoloration may persist briefly.

At-Home Remedies and “Natural” Treatments
There’s no strong scientific evidence that over-the-counter creams, essential oils or herbal remedies effectively remove cherry angiomas. Attempts at self-treatment can lead to:

• Bleeding or infection
• Scarring or skin discoloration
• Delayed professional care if a lesion changes unexpectedly

When to See a Doctor Right Away
Although cherry angiomas are benign, certain changes warrant prompt evaluation to rule out more serious skin conditions:

• Rapid growth in size or height
• Change in color to blue, purple-black or multicolored
• Irregular borders or surface
• Persistent bleeding, pain or itching
• New lesion developing in a short time

If you notice any of these signs—or if you’re simply unsure—consider doing a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker to help you decide your next steps.

Risks and Considerations
All skin-removal procedures carry some risks. Discuss these with your provider:

• Scarring: Most scars are small but can be permanent.
• Infection: Rare when proper aftercare is followed.
• Skin color changes: Temporary lightening or darkening, especially in darker skin tones.
• Incomplete removal: A small part of the angioma may regrow, requiring another session.

Questions to Ask Your Provider
Before any procedure, clear communication is key. Consider asking:

• Which treatment do you recommend for my lesion type and location?
• What are the expected outcomes, side effects and risks?
• How many treatments will I need, and what will each cost?
• What should I do if I notice changes after removal?
• How will we manage any discomfort during and after the procedure?

Insurance and Cost

• Cosmetic vs. medical: Removal purely for appearance is usually out-of-pocket.
• Medical necessity: Insurance may cover removal if bleeding is frequent or the lesion causes other problems.
• Get a cost estimate: Ask the clinic for a written or verbal estimate of all fees, including follow-up visits.

Preventing New Cherry Angiomas
There’s no proven way to prevent cherry angiomas from forming. However, maintaining overall skin health may help you spot new lesions early:

• Perform regular self-skin exams (monthly).
• Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure.
• Keep a record or take photos of any existing angiomas to detect new growth.

Key Takeaways

• Cherry angiomas are benign clusters of tiny blood vessels.
• Removal is optional and based on cosmetic preference or bleeding issues.
• Professional options include cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser therapy and shave excision.
• At-home “cures” lack solid evidence and carry risks.
• See a doctor if a lesion changes rapidly, bleeds often or looks unusual.

Speak to a Doctor
This information is intended to help you understand cherry angiomas and your treatment options. If you have any concerns—especially about rapid changes, bleeding or unusual symptoms—please speak to a doctor. A qualified provider can ensure a safe evaluation and recommend the best approach for your individual situation.