Cherry Angiomas

Cherry angiomas are bright red, small (usually 1-4 mm), lesions made up of dilated capillaries.  They are among the most common type of vascular lesions appearing on human skin.  The cause of their appearance/existence is unknown.  These lesions are medically insignificant - causing no harm.  Cherry angiomas typically appear on skin after the age of 40. Reseach has shown that more than 70 percent of individuals age 70 or older have developed cherry angiomas.

Cherry angiomas can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly they appear on the torso. It is rare that they would appear on the hands or feet.  When cherry angiomas first appear, they are about the size of a pinhead; they don't protrude above the surface of the skin.  On occassion some cherry angiomas can grow to 1/4 inch in diameter or more and they will become spongy and possibly mushroom-shaped.

Although harmless and painless, individuals often prefer to have cherry angiomas removed for cosmetic reasons. If injured, large angiomas can bleed profusely. Due to this, it is recommended that individuals do not try to remove them on their own accord.

Laser Treatment

A Pulsed Dye Laser, or PDL is used to treat and eliminate the appearance of cherry angiomas.  The pulsed dye laser uses a concentrated beam of light that zeros in on blood vessels in the skin. Blood vessels are destroyed when the light is converted into heat - surrounding skin is left undamaged.  The light produced by the pulsed dye laser is very safe and will not cause any long-term damage to the skin.

Cherry Angiomas can be treated in usually only a few minutes and typically with one treatment session. Anesthesia is not required.  The pulsed dye laser produces a cold spray prior to emiting the pulse.  This spray reduces the sensation of pain.  Side effects are minimal.  In some cases though, bruising may occur.  With the V-Beam laser, bruising can be minimized or even eliminated. Less common side effects include temporary pigmentary changes usually lasting a few weeks.  Before treatment begins, use of sunblock is recommend for at least a month prior as tanned skin blocks and prevents the laser light from reaching the angioma, resulting in a higher risk of side effects. Scarring is rarely occurs with this laser.

Post Treatment

It is recommended that patients use a moisturizer 2-3 times a day as it will help to protect the skin and speed the healing process. Use sun block as protection from the sun will help reduce the chance of pigmentary changes. Makeup can be used in two days. If any crust forms where treatment occured, patients should not pick at or try to remove it. If there is bruising, it typically fades fairly quickly over a 3-10 day period.