Cherry angioma and vitamin D deficiency: what to know

A cherry angioma is a small collection of blood vessels near the skin surface. It may be bright red, purple-red, smooth or slightly raised, and can occur on the trunk, arms or other areas. Vitamin D deficiency affects bone and muscle health rather than causing these spots. It may be associated with fatigue, generalised weakness, low mood or joint pain, but those symptoms have many possible explanations. A clinician can examine a changing skin mark and decide whether a vitamin D blood test is appropriate.

Do not scratch, squeeze or attempt to remove a cherry angioma at home. Take a clear photograph if you want to track its size or colour, and arrange a routine skin review if it bleeds repeatedly, changes quickly, becomes painful or is difficult to identify. If you have symptoms that fit vitamin D deficiency, discuss diet, sunlight exposure, medicines and risk factors with a clinician before taking supplements. Treatment should match a confirmed deficiency; high-dose supplements can be unsuitable for some people.

Seek prompt medical advice for a skin mark that develops an irregular outline, several colours, persistent crusting or bleeding, or a new cluster that concerns you. Arrange an assessment for ongoing fatigue, weakness, bone or joint pain, or repeated infections, especially when these affect daily activities. Urgent care is appropriate for severe weakness, confusion, inability to walk safely or a rapidly worsening illness.

Could this mark be a cherry angioma or another skin lesion? Do my symptoms justify testing for Vitamin D Deficiency? What supplement and monitoring plan would be suitable for me?