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Small, elevated growths that can appear anywhere on the skin that are typically red or purple in color.
What is it?
Angiomas, typically benign formations, consist of small blood or lymphatic vessels and usually appear red or purple. They commonly occur in adults, with higher prevalence in women during and after pregnancy, especially among those with lighter skin tones. These formations can appear anywhere on the body, with spider angiomas and cherry angiomas being the most frequent types. While the exact causes of most angiomas are unknown, cherry angiomas are attributed to aging and typically hold no medical significance.
Hemangiomas, also known as strawberry marks, are benign growths characterized by red or purple discoloration, composed solely of blood vessels. They often manifest as birthmarks in children, appearing anywhere on the body but commonly found on the face, chest, and back. While they may appear from infancy through childhood, they typically fade by age 10.
How is it treated?
Most angiomas and hemangiomas do not need medical treatment. However, when treatment is appropriate, we remove angiomas or hemangiomas with a laser or liquid nitrogen. Both procedures remove problematic blood vessels and eliminate damaged cells. These procedures typically cause only minor discomfort and tend to have positive cosmetic results.
While most angiomas and hemangiomas are benign, it is a good idea to have them examined by a board-certified dermatologist to make sure your lesion is not malignant. Schedule your appointment today at our medical practice in Farmington Hills, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Warren or St. Claire Shores, Michigan.