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Cherry angiomas, or cherry hemangiomas, are bright red or purple growths on the skin. These growths are surprisingly common, typically affecting those over the age of 30.
While these growths are usually benign and don’t usually require treatment, they can be concerning due to their appearance and potential association with underlying health conditions.
Fortunately, there are several options available for removing cherry angiomas. For example, our Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based clinic offers a highly effective and non-invasive laser treatment for cherry angiomas alongside specialized vein treatments.
In this article, we’ll explore what cherry angiomas are, how they develop, and available treatments to get rid of them for good.
What Are Cherry Hemangiomas?
Cherry angiomas are benign skin growths that occur when clusters of blood vessels form close to the skin’s surface.
They can vary in size, ranging from a pinpoint to several millimeters in diameter. They typically appear as bright red or purple dome-shaped bumps, and have a smooth, shiny surface.
As mentioned above, they are typically harmless, but they can sometimes bleed or become irritated, especially if they form in an area that is rubbed or scratched often.
What Causes Cherry Hemangiomas?
The exact cause of cherry angiomas is unknown, but they are believed to be closely related to aging and other genetic factors.
There are a number of changes that occur to our skin as we age. Blood vessel walls can weaken, which can in turn cause them to dilate and create small red or purple bumps on the skin. Cherry angiomas may be formed during this process, but more research is needed to confirm this theory.
There also appears to be a genetic aspect to the development of cherry angiomas. Studies have found that these skin growths tend to run in families, suggesting that there may be a hereditary component to their formation.
Do Cherry Hemangiomas Pose Any Real Risks?
In some cases, the angiomas may grow larger or multiply to a concerning degree over time. This can be highly uncomfortable for patients, as these newly-developed angiomas have the potential to bleed and scar.
Additionally, while rare, there is a chance that a cherry angioma could be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition.
For example, in some cases, multiple cherry angiomas may be associated with a genetic disorder called hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Furthermore, cherry angiomas may be a symptom of a more severe condition, such as liver disease or cancer. This is why it is crucial to have them evaluated by a medical professional.
All this said, the majority of cherry angiomas are benign and present no further concern beyond potential unsightliness and discomfort.
How to Get Rid of Cherry Angiomas
Many people find these bumps unsightly and may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their appearance. That’s why it’s common to seek treatment to remove cherry angiomas for good.
If you decide to have your cherry angiomas removed, there are several options available.
Some people opt for surgical removal, in which the angioma is cut out using a scalpel or surgical scissors. However, this approach can be more invasive and may leave a scar.
Various other options include electrodesiccation, which involves ablating the lesion with electricity and heat, or cryotherapy, which involves freezing the affected area with liquid nitrogen, killing the cells.
What is Laser Treatment?
At our Milwaukee clinic, we’ve found that the approach that provides the best outcomes for our patients is laser treatment.
Our KTP laser treatment is a minimally invasive approach, using a specific type of laser light to target the blood vessels that make up the angioma. The blood vessels absorb the laser energy, causing them to collapse and shrink. Over time, the bumps naturally fade and disappear for good.
KTP laser treatment is a safe and effective option for removing cherry angiomas. The procedure is relatively quick and painless, with most treatments taking just a few minutes to complete.
Best of all, there is minimal discomfort during the treatment, and patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately following the procedure.
Conclusion
While not necessarily harmful, cherry angiomas can be a concern for some people due to their appearance or potential association with possible health concerns.
Fortunately, there are several options available for removing these benign skin growths, including our Milwaukee, Wisconsin clinic’s KTP laser treatment.
If you would like to learn more about cherry angioma removal using KTP laser treatment, we would be happy to help! Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your available treatment options.
Photo cropped and edited. Original photo by Midasblenny licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0.