What should you know about sudden increase in cherry angiomas?

Cherry angiomas are usually small red to purple spots formed by clusters of superficial blood vessels. They can be smooth or slightly raised and may bleed if scratched, shaved, or rubbed. New spots can appear over time, but a rapid or noticeable change should not be self-diagnosed from photographs alone. A clinician can distinguish cherry angiomas from other red lesions by examining their colour, shape, surface, and response to gentle pressure.

Arrange a skin examination, especially if the spots are new, changing, bleeding without clear trauma, painful, crusted, or unlike your existing lesions. Take a clear photograph for comparison and note when you first noticed the change. Avoid picking or repeatedly rubbing the spots. If individual lesions catch on clothing or bleed, cover them gently and ask a clinician about suitable care rather than attempting to remove them at home.

Seek prompt dermatology advice for a rapid cluster, a spot with an irregular outline or mixed colours, persistent bleeding, ulceration, marked pain, or a lesion that changes in several ways. Urgent care is appropriate for bleeding that does not stop with steady gentle pressure or for signs of infection such as spreading warmth, pus, or fever. The number of spots alone cannot establish their cause.

Ask whether the lesions have the typical appearance of cherry angiomas, whether any need closer examination or removal, and how to protect them from friction. Discuss whether pulsed dye laser treatment or electrosurgery fits your goals, skin type, lesion location, and bleeding history. Ask what changes should prompt a return visit.