Cherry angiomas are small, pinhead-like lesions on your skin that appear most commonly on your torso, arms and legs of your body. Cherry angiomas are:
The term “cherry” references their color and appearance on the skin, as angiomas typically form in groups.
An estimated 50% of adults have cherry angiomas on their skin after age 30. Cherry angiomas are also very common in about 75% of adults aged 75 years or older.
The most effective way of removing these spots is with Nd:YAG laser treatments. Zapping it with pulses of concentrated laser energy allows the cherry angioma to absorb the wavelengths, generating heat and destroying the blood vessels without damage to the surrounding skin. The number of treatments you may need can depend mostly on the size of the spot.
This procedure is quick and easy, so you can immediately return to your regular schedule— however, it can cause some bruising that can last over a week, or slight redness and irritation immediately after. There can also be some scabbing at the treatment site, but it’s important not to pick it or irritate the treatment area. As with any laser treatment, you should apply a broad spectrum sunscreen because your treated skin will be photosensitive during your recovery. You should also speak with your provider about which skincare products are safe to use on your treated skin afterwards.