Why Do Some People Develop More Cherry Angiomas as They Age

At a Glance

Cherry angiomas are common benign skin growths that become more frequent with age, although genetics, hormonal changes and certain exposures may also play a role. They cannot currently be prevented and do not require treatment. However, any unfamiliar, changing or bleeding lesion should be professionally assessed before considering removal. 

Book a consultation with The Blemish Clinic to discuss cherry angioma removal or other skin blemish concerns.

Understanding Cherry Angiomas

Are cherry angiomas normal? Yes, cherry angiomas are one of the most common skin changes people notice as they get older, often appearing as small red or purple spots on the skin. Although they are usually harmless, it is natural to wonder why they appear and why some people seem to have them more than others. 

They are particularly frequent in people over 40, but the number varies considerably from person to person. This can leave many people asking what causes cherry angiomas, whether it is normal to keep developing new ones and if there is anything that can be done to prevent them.

Understanding the factors associated with cherry angiomas can help explain why these small red spots appear and when a new blemish may need professional assessment.

What Are Cherry Angiomas?

Cherry angiomas are small, benign growths made up of blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They are usually round or slightly raised and can range from bright red to deeper red, purple or dark in colour. They are also known as Campbell de Morgan spots or blood spots.

They can occur on different areas of the body and may appear individually or in groups. Their size can vary, but they are generally small and do not cause symptoms. So are cherry angiomas normal? For most adults, yes, as they are a common type of benign skin lesion and their frequency increases with age.

Why Do Cherry Angiomas Become More Common With Age?

What triggers cherry angiomas and is age the only factor? Age is the strongest associated factor, although their precise cause remains unknown. They can develop at any stage of adulthood, but they typically increase over time and are found in a large proportion of older adults.

Research has identified specific somatic mutations in some cherry angiomas, including changes in the GNAQ and GNA11 genes. These findings help explain how an individual's lesions may form, but they do not fully explain why some people develop many cherry angiomas while others have a few. 

Age, therefore, should be viewed as an important association but not as the complete explanation. The skin and its blood vessels undergo changes throughout adult life and these changes may help explain why cherry angiomas become more noticeable and numerous over time.

Other Factors That May Increase Your Chances of Developing Cherry Angiomas

Age is not the only factor associated with cherry angiomas. Family history, pregnancy and certain chemical exposure have also been reported in connection with their development, although these factors do not explain every case.

You may therefore ask, are cherry angiomas hereditary? There appears to be a possible familial tendency in some people. Still, cherry angiomas are not considered a straightforward inherited condition where having an affected parent means you will definitely develop them. The genetic mutation identified in cherry angiomas is usually acquired by cells in the individual's lesion and is not inherited from a parent.

Hormonal changes may also be an explanation for this, as cherry angiomas have been observed during pregnancy and research has suggested that hormonal changes, including changes involving prolactin, may influence their development in some circumstances.

Certain chemical and medication exposures have also been reported in association with cherry angiomas, particularly in cases where multiple lesions develop suddenly. Examples include exposure to topical nitrogen mustard and bromide, although these are uncommon associations and do not account for the majority of cherry angiomas.

Is It Normal to Keep Developing New Cherry Angiomas?

Yes and this is one reason some people develop more cherry angiomas as they age. Cherry angiomas become more common with age, so it is possible to develop additional lesions over the years. However, it is also important to remember that having a higher number does not automatically indicate a health problem.

The important point is that not every new red mark is necessarily a cherry angioma. Several other skin lesions can have a similar appearance, which is why an unfamiliar lesion should not automatically be diagnosed at home.

If you already have several typical cherry angiomas, a new one may look very similar to the others. However, a lesion that looks different from your existing spots deserves more attention than simply counting how many angiomas you have.

When Could Multiple Cherry Angiomas Be Worth Having Checked?

Having multiple cherry angiomas is not, by itself, usually a reason for concern. However, a sudden eruption of numerous cherry angiomas is distinct from the gradual development of additional lesions with age. If many lesions appear over a short period, particularly alongside other symptoms, it is sensible to discuss the change with a healthcare professional.

This is particularly relevant if a lesion changes noticeably, grows quickly, bleeds without being knocked or has an appearance that differs from your other spots. Cherry angiomas can sometimes resemble other vascular or pigmented skin lesions, so professional assessment is preferable when there is uncertainty about what you are looking at.

A skin assessment is therefore not necessarily about treating the lesion. It can simply clarify what the blemish is and whether any further action is appropriate.

Can You Prevent Cherry Angiomas?

There is currently no reliable way to prevent ordinary age-related cherry angiomas. The main reason is that their direct cause has not been established, so there is no proven skincare routine, diet or lifestyle change that can stop them from developing.

There are some specific chemical exposures associated with their development, but these circumstances do not account for the majority of cases. For most people, the development of cherry angiomas is simply something that can happen as the skin changes with age.

This is also why removing existing cherry angiomas does not prevent new ones from appearing elsewhere. Removal addresses an individual blemish, not the underlying tendency that produces them.

Should You Remove Cherry Angiomas?

Cherry angiomas generally do not require treatment because they are benign. Some people nevertheless choose to have individual spots removed if they are repeatedly irritated, bleed when knocked or are concerned about their appearance.

They can be treated with advanced electrolysis, depending on the individual's lesion and the assessment by a suitably qualified practitioner. The first step is to establish that the lesion is a cherry angioma and is suitable for treatment.

At-home removal is not recommended and attempting to cut or burn it can damage a vascular skin lesion and result in bleeding, infection or scarring. Professional assessment allows the lesion to be considered before treatment is undertaken.

Considering Cherry Angioma Removal? Consult The Blemish Clinic

If you have established cherry angiomas that you would like removed, The Blemish Clinic in Northampton provides specialist removal of cherry angiomas and blood spots using advanced electrolysis. 

The clinic specialises in benign skin blemish removal, using advanced electrolysis for a range of conditions, including cherry angiomas, milia, skin tags, thread veins, seborrhoeic keratoses, sebaceous hyperplasia, DPN, warts and verrucas.

During a consultation, our team can assess the blemish and discuss whether treatment is appropriate. For cherry angioma removal, The Blemish Clinic uses a fine probe and a low-voltage electrical current to target the blood spot, with treatment and aftercare explained as part of the process.

Cherry angiomas are normal, but if you would like to understand removal options or are uncertain about any other blemish, book an appointment or contact our experienced team to arrange a consultation. Charlotte or Georgina will happily answer any questions you may have and walk you through the options.