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Benign growths of blood vessels on the skin. Angiomas are small, red spots common in adults, while hemangiomas are larger, raised lesions often seen in infants.
What is it?
Angiomas and hemangiomas are both types of vascular growths that occur when blood vessels grow abnormally on the skin.
Angiomas (also called cherry angiomas) are small, red or purple growths made up of dilated blood vessels. They are typically harmless and common in adults, often appearing on the torso or arms, but can manifest anywhere on the body. Hemangiomas, often referred to as strawberry marks due to their distinctive red color, are more common in infants and typically appear as raised, red or purple lesions. These growths are usually benign and can vary in size, often shrinking or disappearing on their own as a child grows.
While both conditions are generally harmless, they can sometimes be a concern for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed, grow rapidly, change in color or shape or generally become bothersome.
How is it treated?
Treatment for angiomas and hemangiomas is often not necessary unless the growths are bothersome or cause complications. Options for treatment may include: laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing) or surgical removal. Removal tends to cause only minor discomfort and generally has very good cosmetic results.
Because treatment options vary from patient-to-patient, your Huntington Dermatology provider will assess the growth and recommend the most appropriate treatment to ensure safe and effective removal. Although most angiomas and hemangiomas are benign, it's important to have them evaluated by our board-certified dermatologists to confirm they are not malignant.