Cherry angiomas: how to get rid of them

A cherry angioma is a benign-looking red or purple spot formed by small blood vessels near the skin surface. It may be flat at first and become more raised. Friction from clothing or scratching can make it bleed, which does not make home removal a safe choice.

A clinician should check a lesion that is changing, unusual for you, or difficult to distinguish from another growth. Diagnosis guides whether removal is appropriate and whether any tissue needs further assessment.

Book a dermatology assessment if you want a spot removed or are unsure what it is. Do not cut, squeeze, freeze, or apply wart chemicals to it. These actions can create bleeding and a wound without treating the underlying lesion.

Depending on the examination, options can include [Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/pulsed-dye-laser-treatment/) or [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/). Ask about discomfort control, possible colour change, scarring, wound care, and whether more than one visit may be needed.

Arrange prompt review for a spot that changes rapidly, bleeds with little contact, forms a persistent sore, or develops an uneven colour or border. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding that does not settle with continuous pressure, or for spreading redness, swelling, fever, or pus after treatment.

How confident are you that this is a cherry angioma? Why is this removal method suitable for its location? How should I protect the area afterward? What changes would mean the diagnosis needs revisiting?