Cherry angiomas (also called Campbell de Morgan spots) are small, bright-red skin growths made of dilated blood vessels. They are among the most common benign skin lesions in adults: most people over 30 have at least a few, and their number typically increases with age.

They usually appear on the trunk, arms and shoulders as smooth, round, cherry-red dots from a pinpoint up to a few millimetres across. They are not contagious and are not caused by sun damage alone — the tendency to develop them is largely genetic, with age and hormonal changes playing a role.

A typical cherry angioma is benign and does not turn into skin cancer. However, any red or dark spot that grows quickly, changes shape or colour, bleeds without injury, or looks different from your other spots should be examined by a dermatologist — some skin cancers can resemble vascular lesions.

At ELEMENTAL, a dermatologist examines lesions with dermoscopy before any removal. This confirms the diagnosis and rules out conditions that need a different approach. A lesion is never treated cosmetically until the doctor is confident about what it is.

No. Unlike some childhood haemangiomas, cherry angiomas in adults do not fade or disappear. They tend to persist and may slowly grow. Scratching or trying to remove one at home can cause bleeding and scarring — home cautery kits and “natural remedies” are not a safe option for vascular lesions.

The preferred modern option for red vascular lesions is a vascular laser. ELEMENTAL uses the Candela Vbeam Perfecta — a 595 nm pulsed dye laser whose light is absorbed by haemoglobin inside the angioma. The vessel collapses and the spot fades, usually after a single short session for small lesions, with minimal risk of scarring compared with cutting or burning.

Alternatives include electrocautery and cryotherapy; your dermatologist will recommend the method that suits the size and location of the lesion. Learn more about Vbeam laser treatment at ELEMENTAL or book a consultation with a DHA-licensed dermatologist in Jumeirah 1, Dubai.