‘Cherry angioma’ is another name for blood blisters, haemoangioma or Campbell de Morgan spots.

They are small, dome-shaped growths on the skin with a bright red ‘cherry’ colour. They are very common, especially in older adults.

The exact cause of cherry angiomas is unknown, but they are believed to be caused by the growth of new blood vessels. As people age, their skin becomes thinner and more fragile, which may make them more likely to develop cherry angiomas.

They are not considered to be medically angiomas and are unlikely to be eligible for treatment on the NHS. However, it is important to have them properly diagnosed, to rule out the possibility that they might be something more sinister. If you notice a new growth that is growing rapidly, changing in appearance, or causing pain, it is important to see a doctor.

If you are unhappy about the appearance of cherry angiomas, you might choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. This is often the case when they appear in an awkward position or for patients who are particularly susceptible and have a great number of red blemishes.

Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centres offer a variety of treatment options, depending on the nature of the condition being treated:

• Laser treatment – Campbell de Morgan spots or cherry angioma can usually be treated with laser. This is a relatively quick treatment and highly effective in resolving these small vascular lesions. The laser device delivers energy to target the problem capillaries, vessels or veins in order to damage and destroy them. The problem veins will shrink, shrivel up and then disappear; leaving blood to flow normally through deeper, healthier vessels and veins which are not so visible at the skin’s surface.
  Our clinics use the Harmony XL Pro laser machine – advanced technology for a gentle and effective treatment. There is usually no anaesthetic required, as we simply use a numbing cream to ensure treatment is comfortable. While one session should make a difference, 2-3 sessions (4-6 weeks apart) are generally advisable for full results.
• Micro-cautery – this treatment involves using a heated needle to destroy the growth. It may be considered as an alternative to laser or in combination with laser treatment for larger blemishes. As with laser treatment, there is no anaesthetic required, but we use a numbing cream to ensure your comfort. Just one session is normally sufficient, but we can offer further treatments if required.
• Minor surgery is occasionally recommended where appropriate. This treatment is also offered by our skilled and experienced doctors and surgeons. We would normally administer a local anaesthetic to ensure that the treatment is pain-free. Surgical removal normally only takes one appointment, as the lesion is completely removed.

Where possible, we aim to treat cherry angioma spots at the same appointment to save a return visit. We offer these services at our London clinics, with experienced doctors and surgeons.