Have you ever noticed small, cherry-colored red spots on your body, especially on your chest, stomach, arms, and legs? They're about the size of a cockroach's head. Some people get a little worried when they see these, thinking, "What's new? Is this something dangerous?" But they're really nothing to worry about. Today, let's talk about what Cherry Angioma is, why it forms, is it dangerous, and what the treatment is.
What exactly is a Cherry Angioma?
Simply put, cherry angiomas are harmless, small red bumps that form on the surface of our skin. They are made up of tiny blood vessels that have become tangled together.
- Appearance: These are usually round in shape.
- Size: Most often between 2 and 4 millimeters (mm) in size, but can sometimes be a little larger. To be precise, they can range from the size of a pen tip to the size of a small pea.
- Color: Available in a variety of colors, from light red to dark cherry red. The name "cherry" comes from this characteristic red color.
- Nature: It is often slightly raised above the skin and has a smooth surface.
These are called other names, for example, ``Campbell de Morgan spots'', and ``Senile Angiomas'' because they occur in older people.
What is the difference between Cherry Angioma and Cherry Hemangioma?
You may have also heard the term ``Hemangioma''. Although they look similar, cherry angiomas are made up of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. However, hemangiomas are tumors made up of blood vessels only. Cherry angiomas are more common in adults, but hemangiomas can sometimes occur in young babies.
How common is cherry angioma? Who is more likely to develop it?
Cherry angiomas are actually much more common than you might think. Just think, about 50% of people over the age of 30 will have one or more of these red spots on their skin. Also, about 75% of people over the age of 75 may have them. This means that the risk of developing them increases with age.
These can develop in anyone. That means there is no gender difference, nor is there a big difference based on race. They can be seen in healthy people as well as in people with other diseases.
Are cherry angiomas a sign of another disease? Are they dangerous?
This is the biggest problem and fear that many people have. Cherry angiomas are not dangerous. They are not cancerous.
These are considered `(Benign)` or ``harmless'' lumps. `(Benign)` is a non-cancerous condition, meaning it does not spread to other parts of the body and is not life-threatening. However, sometimes when you see them, you can confuse them with `(Melanoma)`, a dangerous skin cancer, or with a normal mole. If you notice a new lump or mole on your skin, and you have even the slightest doubt about it, it is best to show it to a doctor to find out exactly what it is. But cherry angioma is nothing to be afraid of.
Why do cherry angiomas form? What are the causes?
The exact cause of these conditions has not yet been identified, but research has identified several factors that may contribute to their occurrence:
- Aging: This is the main factor. As you get older, the likelihood of these occurring increases along with skin changes.
- Pregnancy: Some women may notice new or worsening acne during pregnancy due to changes in hormone levels.
- Genetic factors: Sometimes, if someone in your family has these conditions, you may have a slight chance of developing them too. This means it may be hereditary.
- Exposure to chemicals: Some studies have shown that exposure to certain chemicals can also cause cherry angiomas. Examples include topical nitrogen mustard, bromides, and butoxyethanol. These are not things we are usually exposed to in our daily lives.
What exactly does a cherry angioma look like? Can these be scraped off?
As we talked about a little bit before, these are:
- They appear as small bumps on the skin (1 to 5 millimeters in diameter).
- It can range from light red to dark red.
- Sometimes you can see a pale ring around this lump.
- Often, rather than being seen alone, several are seen in the same place in small groups.
Most importantly, cherry angiomas are usually asymptomatic, meaning they don't need to be scratched or caused pain.
However, if you feel like you're scratching the skin where the angioma is, it may not be because of the angioma itself. There may be other reasons for scratching the skin in that area. For example:
- An allergy
- Acne
- Dry skin
- A condition like chickenpox or shingles.
If you have an itchy rash, don't scratch it. This can cause the angioma to bleed and become infected. If the rash persists and is bothersome, it's best to see a doctor for advice.
Why are pregnant women at higher risk of developing cherry angiomas?
As mentioned earlier, the main cause of this is the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. In particular, studies have shown that increased levels of the hormone ``Prolactin`` (a hormone produced by the ``pituitary gland`` in our brain) contribute to the formation of cherry angiomas.
But the good news for many pregnant women is that most of these cherry angiomas will shrink (involute) or disappear completely after the baby is born. So there is no need to be too concerned about seeing them during pregnancy.
How to recognize cherry angioma?
This is very simple. There are no major tests to diagnose cherry angiomas. An experienced doctor can examine your skin and tell if these are cherry angiomas or not. That is, the diagnosis is made through a visual examination.
Does this need treatment?
No, cherry angiomas usually do not require any treatment. They do not pose any health risks. However, some people may want to have them removed if they are concerned about their appearance or if they are in a place where they will be frequently scratched by clothing or jewelry. This is a completely personal decision.
What do I do if my cherry angioma bleeds?
Cherry angiomas are raised bumps that sometimes bleed if they are suddenly cut or pressed. For example, they can get caught on a button on a dress, a necklace, or a nail.
If it bleeds, don't panic. Treat it as you would a normal wound:
1. Clean: Clean the wound with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.
2. Apply an antibacterial ointment: It would be good if you could apply an antibacterial ointment.
3. Cover: Cover with a clean bandage.
Minor bleeding usually stops within a few minutes. If bleeding continues or you see signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, fever), see a doctor.
Can cherry angioma be removed?
Yes, they can be removed. Most often, these are removed for cosmetic reasons, that is, because of a dislike for the appearance. Or, if they are located in an inconvenient place, where they often hurt and bleed, they can be removed.
But, this is very important: Never try to remove these yourself at home. It can damage the skin, cause infection, and cause unwanted scarring. If you do remove them, they should only be done by a trained medical professional.
After cherry angioma removal, there may be some scarring. You can also talk to your doctor about this.
How to remove cherry angioma? What are the methods?
Doctors use a variety of methods to remove cherry angiomas. Some of the most commonly used methods are:
- Electrodesiccation: This involves using a device like an electric needle to destroy the angioma with high-frequency electrical waves. To be precise, it's like burning it off.
- Liquid nitrogen: This is a procedure that uses extremely cold liquid nitrogen to freeze the angioma and remove it. This is also called cryotherapy.
- Laser treatment: This involves using a special laser beam to destroy the blood vessels in the angioma, causing the angioma to shrink.
Your doctor will examine you and decide which of these methods is best for you.
Can these come back after being removed?
Sometimes, yes. After a cherry angioma is removed, new angiomas can develop in the same place or in a different place. However, there is nothing to worry about, because we know that these are harmless.
Is there a way to prevent cherry angiomas from forming?
Since we still don't know the exact cause of these, it's hard to say that there's a 100% effective way to prevent them. We can't stop aging, right?
However, it is best to avoid exposure to certain chemicals, as they have been found to be associated with these reactions. Examples include topical nitrogen mustard, bromides, and butoxyethanol. However, these are not commonly found in our environment.
If I have a cherry angioma, what should I expect?
If you have cherry angiomas, you don't need to worry about them, as they are very common and completely harmless. This means they have no impact on your health. If the angiomas aren't bothering you, meaning they don't hurt often, bleed, or you don't care about their appearance, then they don't need any treatment. They're just there, so there's no problem.
When should I see a doctor?
Since cherry angiomas are harmless, there's no need to rush to the doctor as soon as you see them. However, it's a good idea to seek medical advice in the following cases:
- If you are unsure whether the mole on your skin is a cherry angioma or something else.
- If you notice that the angioma is changing rapidly in appearance, size, or color.
- If the angioma bleeds frequently or hurts.
- If you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed because of the angioma and you want to get rid of it.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
If you go to see a doctor, you may want to ask questions like these about cherry angioma:
- "Doctor, are these spots on my body really cherry angioma, or could this be something more dangerous like `(Melanoma)`?"
- "What should I do to keep this cherry angioma from getting injured?"
- "If these are to be removed, what are the methods? Which method is best for me?"
- "Will there be any scarring if these are removed? How much scarring will there be?"
- "What are the chances of coming back after quitting?"
Summary and Take-Home Message
So, in conclusion, cherry angioma is nothing to be afraid of. These are very common, harmless skin growths that occur with age.
These are not cancer or a sign of another disease. Most of the time, they don't need any treatment. If you don't have any concerns about their appearance or if they don't cause you any problems due to frequent injuries, it's okay to just have them.
However, if you have any doubts, whether it's about a new mole or a change in an existing mole, it's wise to see a doctor and talk about it. That way, you can get the most accurate information and allay your fears. Stay healthy!
` cherry angioma, senile angioma, campbell de morgan spots, skin spots, red moles, benign skin growth, dermatology Sinhala, skin diseases, red spots
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