Small Red Spots on Your Skin? It Might Be Cherry Angioma—Here’s What to Do
Ever noticed tiny red spots or bumps on your skin? Learn what Cherry Angioma is, its main causes, and why specialized medical treatments are needed to remove them.
9/28/20262 min read
Ever spotted a tiny red dot or a small purplish bump on your chest, back, arms, legs, or neck?
In the medical world, these small red spots are known as Cherry Angiomas. While usually small, their sudden appearance often leaves people wondering if they should be concerned.
Here is a complete guide to understanding what causes Cherry Angiomas, whether they are dangerous, and the most effective ways to treat them.
What Is a Cherry Angioma?
A Cherry Angioma is a common, benign (non-cancerous) skin growth caused by the overgrowth and dilation of small blood vessels (capillaries) beneath the skin.
They get their name from their characteristic bright red to deep purple color, resembling tiny cherries. These bumps can appear on both men and women and are most frequently found on the:
Chest
Back
Arms and legs
Neck
What Causes Cherry Angiomas?
While the exact underlying cause of these dilated blood vessels remains unknown, medical experts have identified several key triggering factors:
Genetics: If your parents or family members are prone to developing these red spots, you are more likely to get them as well.
Aging: Cherry Angiomas are very common in adults over the age of 30, and their numbers tend to increase as you get older.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or periods of chronic stress, can trigger the formation of new vascular growths on the skin.
Are Cherry Angiomas Dangerous or Contagious?
The short answer is NO.
Cherry Angiomas are completely harmless, non-contagious, and will not turn into skin cancer.
They typically do not cause pain or itching. However, if a spot bleeds due to friction from clothing, or if you feel self-conscious about its appearance, you may choose to have it professionally removed.
Can Skincare Remove Cherry Angiomas?
Many people attempt to fade these red spots using brightening creams, chemical exfoliants, or other daily skincare products. Unfortunately, topical skincare products cannot treat Cherry Angiomas.
This is because Cherry Angiomas originate from blood vessel activity deep within the skin layers, rather than surface-level pigmentation (melanin) or dead skin cell buildup.
How to Safely Remove Cherry Angiomas
Because these spots are made up of blood vessels, removing them requires targeted vascular laser treatments performed by qualified medical professionals. Effective medical procedures include:
Biaxis GV Laser: Precisely targets abnormal vascular tissue without harming the surrounding healthy skin.
Derma V Laser: An advanced laser technology that quickly shrinks and fades vascular growths.
Conclusion and Consultation
Although Cherry Angiomas are benign and safe, proper evaluation and removal require expert care to prevent scarring or infection.
If you have noticeable red bumps and would like to safely remove them, schedule a consultation with the medical team at Esthera Clinic to find the right laser therapy for your skin.