Cherry Angioma

1. Overview Cherry angiomas, sometimes called "Campbell de Morgan spots" or "senile angiomas," are common skin growths made up of small blood vessels. They appear as bright cherry-red to purplish bumps on the skin and can vary in size. The exact cause isn't fully understood, but they seem to be linked to genetics and aging, as the blood vessels in the skin can change over time.

Cherry angiomas are most common in adults over the age of 30, and their number tends to increase as you get older. Don't worry, cherry angiomas are not contagious. While they are generally harmless and don't cause medical problems, some people may find their appearance bothersome, especially if they are numerous or in prominent locations.

2. Symptoms You might notice the following if you have a cherry angioma:

• A small, bright cherry-red or sometimes purplish bump on the skin.
• They are often round or oval-shaped, like a tiny dome.
• Sizes can range from a pinpoint to about a quarter of an inch (or about 0.5 cm) in diameter.
• They most commonly appear on the torso, arms, legs, and shoulders, but can occur anywhere.
• Usually, they don't cause any pain, itching, or burning.
• They may bleed if scratched, rubbed, or injured.
• You might start with just one, but more can develop over time.
• The surface is typically smooth.

3. Diagnosis Diagnosing a cherry angioma is usually straightforward for a healthcare professional.

• A doctor can often diagnose a cherry angioma simply by looking at it during a physical examination of your skin.
• In most cases, no special tests are needed. If there's any uncertainty, especially if the spot looks unusual, changes rapidly, or bleeds without injury, your doctor might consider a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions.

Management & Treatment

The good news is that cherry angiomas are harmless and don't require treatment. However, if they are in an area that is easily irritated or you find them cosmetically unappealing, there are several effective ways to have them removed. It is important to remember that most insurance plans will not cover the removal of cherry angiomas for cosmetic reasons.

Here are some of the most common treatment options:

• Electrocautery: This method uses a small probe to deliver an electric current to the angioma, which burns it away. It's a quick and effective procedure.
• Cryosurgery: This involves freezing the cherry angioma with liquid nitrogen. The frozen tissue then naturally falls off.
• Laser Therapy: A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the angioma, which heats the blood vessels and causes them to collapse. This is a very precise method with a low risk of scarring. The Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is a commonly used laser for this purpose.
• Shave Excision: For larger cherry angiomas, a doctor might carefully shave off the growth and then use electrocautery to seal the blood vessels underneath.

After any of these procedures, the treated area may take a few days to heal. It's important to keep the area out of the sun and follow any aftercare instructions your doctor provides.

Some people explore at-home remedies like applying apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or iodine to cherry angiomas. While you may read about these online, it's important to know that these methods are not scientifically proven to be effective and could potentially irritate your skin. It's always best to talk to a dermatologist before trying any home remedies.

If you decide to have a cherry angioma removed, your dermatologist will help you choose the best method based on the size and location of the growth. While removal is generally safe and straightforward, it's a good idea to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. If you notice any changes in the size, shape, or color of a cherry angioma, or if it starts to bleed, it's always wise to have it checked by a healthcare professional to rule out anything more serious.

4. Duration & Outlook Cherry angiomas are generally considered a long-term part of your skin.

• Once a cherry angioma appears, it typically does not go away on its own and is considered a chronic, benign (non-cancerous) growth.
• You can expect them to persist indefinitely unless they are medically removed for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed frequently.
• The good news is that cherry angiomas are harmless and usually don't lead to other health problems or complications.
• A warning sign to look out for would be a sudden change in the size, shape, or color of an existing spot, or if it starts to bleed repeatedly without being irritated. If this happens, it's wise to have it checked by a doctor.

5. Prevention Unfortunately, there is no known way to completely prevent cherry angiomas from developing. Since they are often linked to aging and genetics, these are factors we can't control. However, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is always a good practice for overall skin health, though its direct link to preventing cherry angiomas specifically isn't clearly established.

6. Causes & Triggers The precise cause of cherry angiomas is not fully understood, but they are essentially small collections of dilated capillaries (tiny blood vessels) near the surface of the skin.

• Aging is a primary factor; they become more common as people get older, especially after 30.
• Genetics likely plays a role, meaning if your family members have them, you might be more prone to developing them too.
• Some research suggests a possible link to certain chemical exposures or medical conditions, but more studies are needed to confirm these connections.
• Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, have also been noted as a possible trigger for some individuals.
• Anyone can develop cherry angiomas, but they are most frequently seen in adults and the elderly. The main risk factor is increasing age.

7. When to see a doctor: While cherry angiomas are usually harmless, it's a good idea to consult a doctor or dermatologist in certain situations:

• If you notice a spot that bleeds often or easily.
• If an angioma changes suddenly in size, shape, or color.
• If you develop a large number of these spots very quickly.
• If you are unsure whether a new spot is a cherry angioma or something else – it's always best to get a professional opinion for any new or changing skin growth.
• If the appearance of the angiomas causes you significant distress or cosmetic concern.

A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and discuss any concerns you may have. It's always better to be safe and ensure any skin lesion is properly identified.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Are cherry angiomas cancerous? No, cherry angiomas are benign, which means they are not cancerous and do not turn into skin cancer.
• Do cherry angiomas hurt or itch? Typically, no. They are usually asymptomatic, meaning they don't cause pain, itching, or any other sensation. If one becomes irritated, it might feel uncomfortable.
• Can cherry angiomas go away on their own? It's very rare for a cherry angioma to disappear on its own. They usually persist unless medically removed.
• Why do I keep getting more cherry angiomas? It's common to develop more cherry angiomas as you age. Genetics also plays a part, so if you're predisposed, more may appear over time.
• Should I be worried if my cherry angioma bleeds? They can bleed if scratched or injured because they are made of blood vessels. If it bleeds easily or often without obvious trauma, or if you're concerned, it's best to have a doctor take a look.

Remember, while this information is here to help you understand more about cherry angiomas, it's not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your skin, please see a healthcare professional. We care about your well-being!

References

• Berman, D. (n.d.). Cherry Angiomas Mclean VA & Woodbridge, VA. Retrieved from https://www.bderm.com/services/cosmetic-procedures/cherry-angiomas/
• Axe, J. (n.d.). Cherry Angioma Risk Factors, Symptoms & Natural Treatments. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/health/cherry-angioma/
• Amino Co. (n.d.). Natural Remedies for Treating Cherry Angiomas. Retrieved from https://aminoco.com/blogs/health/natural-remedies-treating-cherry-angiomas?srsltid=AfmBOooclPjC1-SqKJtFByX2ngqBsZ6gUmGjecOFnr61X51UGTUKifa-
• Centre for Surgery. (n.d.). Cherry Angioma Removal. Retrieved from https://centreforsurgery.com/services/cherry-angioma-removal/
• Medical News Today. (n.d.). How to get rid of cherry angiomas: Medical treatment options. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-cherry-angiomas
• Al-Dawsari, N. A., & Al-Suwaidan, S. N. (2020). Treatment Modalities for Cherry Angiomas: A Systematic Review. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33252464/