Cherry spots

Created: 03.08.2023

Updated: 28.12.2023

Approved by: General Practitioner, Dr Binita Parmar 

Cherry angiomas, which look like cherry spots on the skin, are harmless skin growths that often appear at the age of 30-40. These growths are made up of a cluster of small blood vessels at the surface of the skin giving a distinctive red appearance. They are not dangerous but can be removed if they are bothersome.

Why do cherry spots occur?

It is not known why some people get these spots. It is often seen that several people in the same family have similar lesions and that there may be a connection with the growth of other blood vessels and pigment changes. Cherry angiomas are as common in men as in women, regardless of ethnicity. Nevertheless, they are most visible in people with light skin.

Symptoms

Cherry angiomas are flat or slightly raised growths. They are typically small, round, and bright red to purple in colour giving them a cherry like appearance. Usually, multiple angiomas are present. The most common areas to develop cherry angiomas are the upper body, but they can also occur on the scalp, neck, arms, and legs - and less commonly on the face. In rare cases, they may cause minor bleeding if scratched or irritated.

When to see a Dermatologist

Cherry angiomas are typically easy to recognise. They often appear as multiple angiomas that are similar to each other, and they have a characteristic, uniform, bright red colour. If you are unsure or notice any changes in skin growth, it is advisable to consult a Dermatologist. Often, people choose to have these spots removed for cosmetic reasons.