In a nutshell

Cherry angiomas are small, usually symptom-free red or purple skin bumps. They often occur in multiples and become more common with age. Their appearance can vary, so not every red or dark spot is automatically a cherry angioma.

Why does it happen?

Cells of small blood vessels in the skin proliferate to form a localized benign growth. Exactly why an individual angioma develops is not fully understood.

Frequency

Cherry angiomas are common benign vascular growths. They become more frequent with age and may occur in multiples.

Frequency is a qualitative description, not your individual probability.

Is it normal?

A confidently identified cherry angioma without symptoms does not normally need treatment.

When to seek advice

New, unexplained changes that grow markedly or bleed without cause should be examined by a clinician.

Does this happen to you?

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Sources (1)
  1. DermNet: cherry angioma (opens a new tab)

    This source supports the description and physiological context of this entry.

    Author / institution
    Amanda Oakley
    Year
    2017
    Publication
    DermNet

Editorial update: . AI-assisted research and editing; not individually reviewed by a physician. How we research