Cherry angiomas are small, harmless clusters of blood vessels that appear with age. At IN Eternity Clinic they are confirmed first, then removed by the method that suits their size and site.
WhatsApp to Enquire →Key facts ↓Cherry angiomas are one of the most common benign skin growths in adults. They tend to multiply from middle age, often on the trunk and arms, and can bleed if scratched or caught on clothing. Genetics plays a part, and they are not a sign of poor health in the vast majority of people.
Under the dermatoscope, cherry angiomas show well-defined red or purple lobules. Pigmented moles, seborrhoeic keratoses and, rarely, other vascular or pigmented lesions can look similar to the naked eye. Anything that does not show the typical pattern, or that is changing quickly, is assessed further rather than removed for appearance. See mole removal for how pigmented moles are handled.
“A cherry angioma is a knot of blood vessels, not a mole. Treating it like a pigment spot is aiming at the wrong target.”
Vascular laser targets the blood in the lesion and suits small, flat angiomas; it may need more than one session. Electrocautery or a fine shave suits raised or larger ones and usually clears them in one visit, leaving a small scab. On darker skin, settings are chosen to limit temporary pigment changes.
In the vast majority of people they are harmless. A new red spot that looks unusual, changes quickly or bleeds repeatedly should still be checked.
A treated angioma usually does not return, but new ones can appear over time with age.
Usually a small scab that heals over one to two weeks, sometimes leaving a faint mark that fades.
Often, yes, depending on number, size and site. This is planned at consultation.
They become more common with age and partly run in families. Removal treats existing spots; it does not prevent new ones.
Yes, “red mole” is the common name, though they are not true moles because they contain blood vessels rather than pigment cells.
IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, Singapore. By appointment with Medical Director Dr Sin Yong. WhatsApp or call +65 8815 3008.
These sources describe mechanisms and general evidence. They are not a promise of any individual result; suitability is decided at an in-person assessment.