What Is A Cherry Angioma? Your Complete Guide To Red Spots On Your Skin
Have you noticed a small, bright red spot appearing on your skin and found yourself wondering what it is? At our Plymouth skin clinic, questions about small red spots on the skin are among the most common concerns we hear. The good news is that, in most cases, these spots are completely harmless.
In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about cherry angiomas: what they are, why they appear, when to get them checked, and how they can be removed quickly and safely right here in Plymouth.
Understanding This Common Benign Skin Growth
A cherry angioma is a small, benign skin growth made up of a cluster of dilated capillaries – the tiniest blood vessels in the body, sitting just beneath the surface of the skin. The medical term is “a benign vascular lesion”, and it falls into the same family as other angiomas: abnormal but entirely harmless vessel formations.
The key word is benign. Cherry angiomas are not cancerous, do not spread, and in the vast majority of cases pose no risk to your health whatsoever. They are one of the most common benign skin growths seen in adults across the UK, becoming increasingly prevalent from the age of 30 onwards.
They can appear anywhere on the body – the trunk (chest, back, abdomen) is the most common location, though they also develop on the arms, legs, shoulders, and face. They are not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.
What Does a Cherry Angioma Look Like? Colour, Size and Shape Explained
Cherry angiomas have a distinctive appearance that, once you know what to look for, is relatively easy to recognise:
- Colour: Bright cherry-red, sometimes deepening to darker red or purple as the lesion matures
- Size: Typically 1–5mm in diameter, though some grow slightly larger over time
- Shape: Round or oval, smooth and dome-shaped
- Texture: Slightly raised above the skin surface; soft to the touch
- Border: Clear, well-defined edges
One useful clinical observation: if you press a clear glass firmly against a cherry angioma, it will not fully disappear under pressure – the red colour remains. This is because the blood vessels within the lesion are permanently dilated and cannot be compressed flat. This non-blanching characteristic is what helps clinicians distinguish cherry angiomas from general skin redness or flushing, which fades under pressure.
What Causes Cherry Angiomas? Common Triggers & Risk Factors
The precise reason why cherry angiomas form isn’t fully understood, but several factors are consistently associated with their development.
Age: The Most Significant Cherry Angioma Risk Factor
The most significant factor. Cherry angiomas become increasingly common after age 30, and by 70 the majority of adults will have at least one. The ageing process alters the structure of the skin’s dermis and the behaviour of blood vessels, creating conditions where angiomas are more likely to form.
Genetics and Hereditary Predisposition
If your parents or close relatives developed cherry angiomas, you’re more likely to do so too. There appears to be a hereditary component, meaning some people are simply predisposed to forming them regardless of lifestyle factors.
Hormonal Changes and Cherry Angioma Development
Hormonal shifts – including those associated with pregnancy, menopause, and certain medications – may stimulate angioma formation. It’s not uncommon to notice new red spots on the skin appearing or multiplying during periods of significant hormonal change.
Sun Exposure and Skin Changes
Chronic sun exposure is thought to play a role in some cases, particularly for angiomas that develop on regularly exposed areas of skin.
Are Cherry Angiomas Dangerous?
In the vast majority of cases: no. A cherry angioma that is stable, unchanged, and present for some time is almost always entirely harmless. You do not need to have them removed for medical reasons unless they are in a location where they bleed frequently due to friction from clothing.
However, there are situations where a professional assessment is important:
- A spot that is new and growing rapidly
- A spot that has changed in colour, shape or texture – especially if it has become irregular or darker
- A spot that bleeds easily or repeatedly without trauma
- Any new lesion you are genuinely uncertain about
At Precision Health & Training, Laura assesses every lesion before any treatment takes place. This is not just good clinical practice – it’s what makes our Plymouth skin clinic different from beauty salons offering unregulated skin treatments. If a lesion gives any cause for concern, Laura will advise accordingly, including referral to a GP or dermatologist if needed.
Cherry Angioma vs Other Red Spots On Skin: How To Tell The Difference
| Condition | Appearance | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Angioma | Bright red, raised, smooth dome, 1–5 mm | Permanent, raised above skin, painless |
| Blood Blister | Dark red-purple, often at friction sites | Caused by trauma, painful, resolves in days to weeks |
| Petechiae | Flat, pinprick-sized red dots, often clustered | Flat not raised — can indicate clotting issues; see a GP |
| Spider Angioma | Central red dot with radiating fine vessels | More common with liver conditions or pregnancy |
| Haemangioma | Larger, strawberry-red, often from birth or infancy | Usually develops in childhood, not adulthood |
Cherry Angioma Removal Plymouth: Can They Be Removed?
Yes, and the process is quick, straightforward, and very well tolerated by most patients.
At Precision Health & Training, we remove cherry angiomas using cryotherapy – the application of liquid nitrogen to the lesion using a precision spray gun. The liquid nitrogen freezes and destroys the blood vessels within the angioma, and the body then naturally clears the treated tissue as the skin heals.
It’s the same clinically proven method we use for skin tags, warts, verrucas, and fibrous papules – a safe, effective, minimally invasive approach with a quick recovery time.
Please note: cherry angioma removal should never be attempted at home. DIY methods carry real risks of infection, scarring, and incomplete treatment. Professional ruby angioma removal in a clinical environment, performed by a qualified Nurse Practitioner, is both safer and more effective.
Read more about why DIY skin treatment carries risks in our blog Cryotherapy for skin tags: Why DIY isn’t worth it.
What To Expect From Cherry Angioma Removal At Our Plymouth Skin Clinic
Here is exactly what the process looks like from first contact to full healing.
Before Treatment: Your Cherry Angioma Assessment
Laura will carry out a thorough clinical assessment to confirm the diagnosis and ensure cryotherapy is the right approach for you. This assessment step is non-negotiable – it’s what ensures your safety and the best possible outcome.
During Cherry Angioma Cryotherapy Treatment
Using a specialist cryotherapy spray gun, liquid nitrogen is applied precisely to the cherry angioma for a matter of seconds. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief, sharp cold sting – similar to holding an ice cube against the skin. No anaesthetic is needed, and a session typically takes just a few minutes, even when treating multiple angiomas.
When treating cherry angiomas in sensitive areas, particularly around the eyes, Laura uses additional protective techniques to ensure treatment is delivered safely and accurately. This includes carefully shielding the surrounding skin and eye area, helping to maximise precision while minimising unnecessary exposure to the liquid nitrogen spray.
Immediately After Treatment
The treated area will turn red and may swell slightly. A mild stinging sensation can last for up to an hour. You can return to your normal day straight away.
Days 1 – 3: After Cherry Angioma Removal
Blistering often occurs within 24 – 48 hours – this is a completely normal part of the healing process. The blister may weep a small amount of clear fluid. Keep the area clean and dry, and do not pick or pop the blister.
Days 7 – 21: Full Healing
A small scab forms and should be allowed to fall away naturally. Most patients see full healing within one to three weeks, depending on skin type and the size of the angioma treated.
Treating Multiple Cherry Angiomas
If you have several cherry angiomas you’d like treated, many can often be addressed in a single appointment. Laura will advise on the best approach during your consultation.
Pricing is transparent with no hidden costs – see our full Treatment Price List for details.
Aftercare Following Cherry Angioma Cryotherapy: How to Look After Your Skin
Good aftercare makes a real difference to how smoothly your skin heals. Here is what I recommend:
- Keep the area clean and dry – gently wash with mild soap and water; pat dry
- Do not pick, scratch or pop any blister or scab that forms
- Avoid sun exposure to the treated area for at least two weeks; use SPF 30+ daily once healed
- Skip active skincare (retinol, exfoliants, AHAs/BHAs) on the treated area for two weeks
- Contact us if you notice signs of infection – increasing redness beyond the treatment site, unusual warmth, pus, or escalating pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Angiomas Plymouth
Q. Do cherry angiomas need to be removed?
A. No, if a cherry angioma is stable, painless and not in a location where it bleeds from friction, there is no medical reason to remove it. Removal is entirely your choice. Many patients choose it for cosmetic reasons, or because an angioma in a certain location catches on clothing or causes minor inconvenience.
Q. Will a cherry angioma come back after cryotherapy?
A. Once a specific angioma has been fully treated, it typically does not return. However, new cherry angiomas can develop in different areas over time, particularly as you get older – this is a natural part of the ageing process.
Q. Can I have multiple cherry angiomas removed in one appointment?
A. In many cases, yes. Laura will assess at your consultation and advise whether all the angiomas you’re concerned about can be treated in a single session, which many patients find very efficient.
Q. Is cherry angioma removal available on the NHS?
A. Cherry angioma removal is generally considered a cosmetic procedure by the NHS and is not usually funded unless there are specific clinical reasons for treatment. Private treatment at Precision Health & Training offers fast access, no referral wait, and the same clinical standards as NHS facilities – because we’re CQC-regulated.
Q. Can cherry angiomas be removed during pregnancy?
A. Cryotherapy should be approached with caution during pregnancy. Laura will discuss your individual circumstances at the consultation and advise accordingly. Many patients prefer to wait until after delivery.
Q. Should a cherry angioma itch?
A. Cherry angiomas are asymptomatic and should not itch. If the area feels itchy, avoid scratching as this can cause the angioma to bleed. Persistent itchiness around any skin lesion is worth getting checked by a clinician.
Q. What should I do if my cherry angioma bleeds?
A. Because they are raised bumps, cherry angiomas can occasionally be caught or scratched. If it bleeds, treat it like a minor wound – clean the area, apply antibacterial ointment and cover with a plaster. If bleeding is frequent or won’t stop easily, book an assessment with Laura.
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Book Your Cherry Angioma Consultation In Plymouth Today
If you’ve noticed red spots on your skin and would like to know exactly what they are, or if you’ve already had a cherry angioma confirmed and want to discuss removal, we’d love to hear from you.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with Laura at Precision Health & Training. You can ask questions, get a professional clinical assessment, and find out whether cryotherapy is right for you – with no pressure to proceed. Book your appointment online here or contact us at 07557360885, or email us at Laura@precisionht.co.uk. We serve patients across Plymouth, Devon and the surrounding areas.
Please consult a GP or qualified healthcare professional for confirmation of diagnosis, particularly if a skin lesion has changed in size, shape or colour, bleeds without trauma, or if you have any clinical concern about a skin growth.
