Cherry angiomas are bright red, small (usually 1-4 mm), papules commonly seen on the trunk of adults. Larger, older lesions can be more of a purple or blue color. These lesions are medically insignificant, of unknown origin that appear most frequently after age 40.
Cherry angiomas are the most common vascular lesions to appear on human skin. They are made up of clusters of dilated capillaries on the surface of the skin, which accounts for the cherry-red or purple color. No one knows exactly what causes them.
Cherry angiomas can occur almost anywhere on the skin, but most commonly on the torso. They rarely occur on the hands or feet. When they first occur, cherry angiomas are about the size of a pinhead and do not protrude above the surface of the skin. However, some grow to 1/4 inch across or more, and become spongy and dome- or mushroom-shaped.
A cherry angioma is painless and harmless, but many persons want them removed for cosmetic reasons. Large angiomas can bleed profusely when they are injured. Because of this, don't puncture them or try to remove them yourself.
You can develop cherry angiomas anytime in your life, but they are most frequent after the age of 40. Reseachers have found that more than 70 percent of people age 70 or older have cherry angiomas. The cherry-red "bumps" develop alone or in groups, most often on the torso and frequently on the face, scalp, neck, arms and legs.
The Pulsed Dye Laser, or PDL uses a concentrated beam of light that targets blood vessels in the skin. The light is converted into heat, destroying the blood vessel while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. The laser uses yellow light, which is very safe and does not result in any long-term skin damage.
About Cherry Angioma Treatment
Before Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment
After Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment
Treatment of Cherry Angiomas usually take only a few minutes. No anesthesia is required, as the machine produces a cold spray just before the laser pulse, diminishing the sensation of pain.
Side Effects
Side effects are generally minimal. The most common side effect is bruising. With the V-Beam bruising can be minimized or even eliminated. If it should occur, bruising is most pronounced in the first few days and usually clears within 3-10 days. Less common side effects include temporary pigmentary changes usually lasting a few weeks. Sunblock for one month before treatment is recommended as tanned skin blocks the laser light and results in a higher chance of side effects. Scarring is extremely rare with this laser.
Aftercare
Skin care after the procedure is straightforward. A moisturizer, such as Aquaphor Ointment or Vaseline Jelly, applied 2-3 times per day will help protect the skin and speed healing. Sun protection will help minimize the chance of pigmentary changes. Makeup can be used starting on day two. If any crust forms, patients should not pick or try to remove it. Any bruising fades relatively quickly over a 3-10 day period.