Cherry Angioma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A cherry angioma is a benign tumor caused by a cluster of small blood vessels, or capillaries, that form a red or purple spot on the skin. It affects many adults over the age of 30. Some people may want to remove cherry angiomas for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed or become irritated, but they are generally harmless and don't cause any symptoms.
Causes of Cherry Angioma
The exact cause of cherry angioma is not known, but some factors may increase the risk of developing them. These include:
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Age: Cherry angiomas are more common in older adults, and they tend to increase in number and size with age.
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Genetics: Cherry angiomas may run in families, so if your parents or grandparents have them, you are more likely to have them too.
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Hormones: Some studies suggest that hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause, may trigger the appearance of cherry angiomas.
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Environment: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as bromine, or certain climates, such as hot and humid, may also contribute to the formation of cherry angiomas.
Symptoms of Cherry Angioma
Cherry angiomas are usually easy to recognize by their appearance. They are:
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Red or purple in color, due to the dilated capillaries that make up the tumor.
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Round or oval in shape, and may be smooth and flat or raised and dome-like.
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Small in size, ranging from a pinhead to several millimeters in diameter.
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Painless and non-itchy, unless they are scratched, rubbed, or injured.
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Located anywhere on the body, but most often on the torso, arms, legs, or scalp.
Diagnosis of Cherry Angioma
Angiomas of the cherry are usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider through a visual exam. They are not a sign of any serious health problem, but may resemble other skin conditions, such as spider angiomas, which are red spots with thin, spider-like extensions that may indicate liver damage. You should consult a doctor if you notice multiple lesions suddenly, or if your cherry angioma changes in size, shape, color, or texture, or if it bleeds, hurts, or becomes infected.
Treatment of Cherry Angioma
A cherry angioma does not require any medical treatment unless it causes cosmetic or functional problems. It is not advised to remove your cherry angioma yourself, as this may cause bleeding, scarring, or infection. For safe and effective removal of your cherry angioma, you should consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, who can offer you a variety of options, including:
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Electrodesiccation: This is a procedure that uses an electric needle to destroy the blood vessels in the cherry angioma, causing it to dry up and fall off.
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Cryotherapy: This is a procedure that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the cherry angioma, causing it to blister and peel off.
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Laser therapy: This is a procedure that uses a focused beam of light to heat up and shrink the cherry angioma, causing it to fade away.
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Excision: This is a procedure that uses a sharp razor to cut off the cherry angioma, usually under local anesthesia.
There is little or no scarring following these procedures, and all are relatively quick and painless. However, they do not prevent new cherry angiomas from forming, and they may cause some side effects, such as swelling, bruising, infection, or pigment changes. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for your skin after the procedure, and to report any complications right away.
Prevention of Cherry Angioma
There is no proven way to prevent cherry angiomas, as they are largely influenced by genetic and age-related factors. However, some lifestyle measures may help reduce the risk or severity of cherry angiomas, such as:
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Avoiding exposure to chemicals that may trigger cherry angiomas, such as bromine, which is found in some foods, medications, and plastics.
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Protecting your skin from sun damage, which may worsen the appearance of cherry angiomas, by wearing sunscreen, hats, and clothing that cover your skin.
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Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized, which may improve its elasticity and health, by drinking plenty of water and using gentle skin products.
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Maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, which may improve your blood circulation and prevent capillary dilation, by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
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Managing your stress levels, which may affect your hormone balance and immune system, by practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
Conclusion
There are many adults over the age of 30 who suffer from cherry angioma, a benign skin condition. A cherry angioma is a harmless tumor caused by a cluster of small blood vessels, or capillaries, on the skin that form a red or purple spot. Although cherry angiomas do not cause symptoms, some people want to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed or become inflamed. Various procedures, including electrodesiccation, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or excision, can be used to safely and effectively treat cherry angiomas, which can be diagnosed by a visual examination by a healthcare provider. There are, however, some side effects associated with these treatments, and they do not prevent new cherry angiomas from forming. Consult a doctor before deciding to remove your cherry angioma, and follow their instructions on how to care for your skin afterward. Cherry angiomas cannot be prevented, but some lifestyle measures may reduce their risk and severity, such as avoiding chemicals, protecting your skin from sun damage, keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized, maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, and managing your stress levels.
