Cherry spots

Created: 09.01.2025

Updated 09.01.2025

Approved by: Consultant Dermatologist, Dr James Denny

What are Cherry spots?

Cherry spots - also known as cherry angiomas and Campbell de Morgan spots, look like cherry red dots on the skin. They 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. They are not dangerous but can be removed if they are bothersome.

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.

Why do you get Cherry spots?

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.

What are the treatments?

Although these are harmless and do not require treatment, often, people choose to have these spots removed for cosmetic reasons. Our Dermatologists can remove these quickly and easily with hyfrecation (high energy heat). Often dozens of these can be removed in one single session.