What should you know about dark cherry angioma?

Cherry angiomas are commonly smooth, round, and sharply defined. They may be flat or slightly raised and can darken when blood is trapped or the surface is irritated. A spot that bleeds after rubbing may simply have been traumatised, but colour and shape can overlap with other skin lesions. A clinician uses its history and appearance to decide whether it fits a cherry angioma or needs closer assessment.

Do not diagnose a new dark spot from a photograph alone. Note when it appeared, whether it has changed, and whether it catches on clothing or jewellery.

Leave an uncomplicated spot alone, protect it from repeated rubbing, and avoid cutting, squeezing, or tying it off at home. If it catches, bleeds, or is bothersome, a dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and discuss removal. Pulsed dye laser treatment or electrosurgery may be considered for selected lesions; the choice depends on size, depth, location, skin tone, and whether tissue examination is needed.

Arrange an examination promptly if a spot grows quickly, develops an irregular outline, changes in several colours, bleeds without repeated injury, crusts, ulcerates, or remains sore. Seek care sooner for many new dark lesions or for a spot that does not resemble your other angiomas.

Ask whether the lesion has the typical features of a cherry angioma, whether it should be monitored or removed, if tissue testing is appropriate, and whether pulsed dye laser treatment or electrosurgery suits its location and your skin.