Cherry Angiomas: A Common Skin Problem?
The skin problem known as cherry or black cherry is a common skin condition. People with this type of skin disorder are prone to develop it due to its association with dark hair coloration. Other factors like sun exposure, age, and genetics may contribute to the development of the disease.
It is not clear what causes the formation of these lesions. They have been associated with certain types of tumors, but no one really knows why they form. There are several theories about their origin, including the following:
A genetic predisposition to develop melanocytic nevi (melanocytes) in response to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.
An immune reaction against melanin pigment that has migrated into the dermis from other sites in the body.
Damage to the blood vessels leading to the dermis that results in increased permeability of the capillaries.
Tumors within the skin cells themselves.
Cherry Angiomas: What Are They?
These are benign growths found on various parts of your body, usually around your nose, mouth, ears, scalp and armpits. They look like small red or purple spots that feel like normal skin, they are not painful and do not require any treatment. A common misconception is that angiomas are a form of cancer. This is completely untrue.
They may occur in pregnancy, in which case they may increase in number or change in both size and color. In nearly every case they disappear after giving birth, although this may take up to a year for the skin to return to normal.
If you are worried about these growths, it is a good idea to visit your doctor.
Cherry angiomas are not normally a cause of serious concern, but you should contact your doctor if they suddenly increase in size or appearance, if they bleed or ooze pus, become tender or painful and/or if you notice any changes in size, feel or appearance in the one week. Any rapid change could be a sign of skin cancer.
How to Get Rid of Cherry Angiomas
Some people looking at the range of skin blemishes and other minor skin conditions on offer might find it hard to believe that there is no “cure” for any of them. After all, if you woke up one day and found a purple lump on your forehead, you wouldn’t hesitate to get it checked out by a doctor, since it could be something dangerous like a brain tumor. The same holds true for skin blemishes: if you notice any changes in size, feel or appearance in the one week, you should visit your physician as soon as possible.
The good news is that most skin blemishes are nothing to worry about and can easily be treated with a few over-the-counter or prescription products. Other blemishes may disappear all on their own with no treatment at all.
Even better news is that there are a multitude of cosmetic products and medical treatments available to help you get rid of your skin blemishes. Similar to the way in which skin care products can help maintain healthy skin and prevent blemishes, there are also products that can help you conceal them until they disappear. If you don’t have any luck getting rid of them naturally, you can always turn to medical treatments or laser therapy that can destroy the blemish without damaging the surrounding skin.
Your dermatologist will be able to walk you through your different treatment options, along with helping you determine the cause of your skin blemish and suggesting ways for you to avoid getting more in the future.
Cherry angiomas may not appear to be a serious skin condition, but they can become itchy or even bleed if they grow in size or number. If you notice any changes in size, feel or appearance in the one week, you should visit your physician as soon as possible.
Sources & references used in this article:
Electrosurgery for the skin by BL Hainer, R Usatine – American family physician, 2002 – aafp.org
Use of high-power diode laser at 1060 nm for the treatment of vascular lesions by GB Bordera, JG Parada, MM Giménez… – Journal of Vascular …, 2019 – Elsevier
Cryosurgery for Vascular Lesions by P Pasquali, MJ Gutiérrez – Cryosurgery, 2015 – Springer
Radiofrequency ablation in dermatology by YV Tawade – Acs (I) Textbook on Cutaneous …, 2012 – JAYPEE BROTHERS MEDICAL …
Common skin conditions in the elderly: family focus by S Sachdeva, A Dogra – Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2007 – e-ijd.org
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia with oral manifestations: report of periodontal treatment in two cases by J Souter – SA Pharmacist’s Assistant, 2011 – journals.co.za
Common skin disorders in the elderly by GB Austin, AM Quart, B Novak – Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral …, 1981 – Elsevier
