Cherry angioma is red or cherry colored benign vascular skin lesion, which occurs generally after the age of 30. It is one of most common vascular lesion on skin surface. Clusters of dilated capillaries get together to form flat round dome on surface of the skin, the lesion appears red or purple in color and for this reason it is called cherry angioma.
They can occur anywhere on the skin surface, but most common place of its occurrence is front and back of torso, face, scalp and neck. They are rarely seen on hands and feet. Cherry angioma can be single or multiple in number. In the beginning the lesion is as small as pinhead and flat. But with passing time, it becomes larger in size and sometime grows above the skin surface to form a flat dome shaped spongy growth.
As such cherry angiomas are harmless. But when they are hurt, they bleed profusely. For this reason do not attempt to puncture or try to excise it on your own.
Causes Of Cherry Angioma
Very little is known about the development of cherry angioma. Many researchers are of the opinion that it is linked to genetics. If your parents or grandparents are having cherry angioma, you may be prone for developing this vascular skin lesion.
Chemicals such as mustard gas, bromides, cyclosporine etc are believed to trigger the development of cherry angioma.
Stress is also suspected to be a cause for development of cherry angioma. Person having persistent stress is prone to age faster than his associate of the same age. This eventually brings many changes in the body faster than they should occur. Cheery angioma results due to faster aging process.
Cherry Angioma Removal Procedures
As said earlier, cherry angiomas are harmless. The only cause of worry is their profuse bleeding tendency on slightest injury. Usually there are two reasons for getting rid of cherry angioma, first is recurrent bleeding due to injury as a result of their location. Patient may want to remove it for cosmetic reasons.
Several methods have been used for its removal such as; laser vaporization, cryotherapy and electrosurgery.
- In Laser vaporization, a small beam of light is transmitted through a specific device on the cherry angioma. The laser beam vaporizes the lesion and the skin appears clean and free from the lesion. It is painless method.
- In cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen is used for removal of the lesion. Generally there are no scars after its removal. The cost of this procedure is cheap as compared to laser vaporization.
- Electrosurgery involves the use of electric needle to remove cherry angioma.
Home Remedies For Cherry Angiomas
Following home remedies are also found effective for removing cherry angiomas. However it may take time with home remedies and it is not an instant solution.
- Apply paste prepared from sandalwood powder and basil leaves. Let the paste remain for 10 to 15 minutes after which, rinse the area with clean fresh water. Follow the routine regularly.
- Regular application of coconut oil or castor oil on the lesion is known to reduce the size and ultimately the lesion fades away.
- Epsom salt baths are beneficial for many skin ailments; it is beneficial in removing cherry angioma.
- Drink at least 8 to 9 glasses of water as it is necessary for healthy skin and removal of collected toxins from the body.
- Eat food that is rich in vitamin A, E, C and B complex. All these vitamins are useful for maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Green leafy vegetables, cayenne pepper, carrots, broccoli, red pepper, broccoli, kiwi, orange, lemon, kale etc are rich source of these vitamins.
- Reduce your stress and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.