Cherry Angioma (Campbell de Morgan Spots): Small Red Spots Treated with PDL

Cherry angioma, or Campbell de Morgan spot, is a small pink-red or purple vascular bump caused by an increase in tiny blood vessels (acquired vascular proliferation). It is about 1-5 mm across with a smooth border, becomes more common after age 40, and usually appears on the trunk, back and legs. It is harmless and does not turn into cancer (100% benign), so treatment is for cosmetic reasons. This article explains how it looks, how dermoscopy tells it apart from other conditions, what to watch for if many appear quickly, and the treatment options.

What causes cherry angioma?

Cherry angioma results from an increase in the small blood vessels of the skin. Key features include:

• Appearance: a pink-red (cherry red) or purple bump, 1-5 mm across with a smooth border, whose color does not fade completely when pressed.

• Age: becomes more common with age, especially after 40.

• Location: usually appears on the trunk, legs and back.

• Safety: it has no chance of becoming cancer and is a 100% benign growth.

Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy helps confirm the diagnosis and tell it apart from other lesions.

• Cherry angioma: shows well-defined dark red spaces (red lacunae) and no pigment network.

• Benefit: it helps distinguish cherry angioma from melanoma, a skin cancer that can sometimes look similarly dark. If there is any doubt, dermoscopy is very helpful in telling them apart.

What to watch for: many appearing quickly (eruptive)

Cherry angioma is generally harmless, but if many appear quickly (eruptive), an underlying condition should be considered.

• Paraneoplastic: conditions linked to cancer (paraneoplastic), such as lymphoma or internal cancers.

• SVC obstruction: blockage of the superior vena cava (SVC obstruction), which often comes with bumps on the trunk, a swollen face and enlarged veins.

• Other conditions: other conditions such as POEMS syndrome, GVHD and weakened immunity (immunosuppression).

• Further tests: if many appear suddenly, tests to look for cancer should be done and a chest CT (CT chest) should be considered.

Cosmetic treatment options

Because it is harmless, treatment is for cosmetic reasons. There are several options.

• PDL (first-line): Pulsed Dye Laser (595 nm) is the first choice, in 1-2 sessions, with a recurrence rate below 5%.

• Nd:YAG: Nd:YAG 1064 nm for deeper lesions.

• KTP: KTP 532 nm for small lesions.

• Electrocautery: simple and inexpensive, but there is a chance of dark marks (hyperpigmentation).

• Cryotherapy: freezing for small lesions of 1-3 mm.

• Shave excision: removal of a thin layer of skin for larger lesions, with a biopsy sent to rule out Kaposi if there is uncertainty.

Frequently asked questions

Is cherry angioma dangerous? No. It is a 100% benign growth and does not turn into cancer. Treatment is for cosmetic reasons only.

Does PDL work? It works well in 1-2 sessions, removing about 95% with no scarring. Temporary bruising may appear and clears within 1-2 weeks.

What should be checked if many appear? If they appear in an eruptive pattern (dozens of spots within 1-2 months), lymphoma should be ruled out and a chest CT considered to look for SVC obstruction.

Is electrocautery at some clinics a good option? Electrocautery is inexpensive and quick, but there is a higher chance of dark marks. PDL is therefore more suitable for darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV-V).

If you have small red bumps on your skin that you would like removed, or you are worried that an unusual number have appeared, you can consult a dermatologist at Siam Dermatology for dermoscopy to tell them apart from other conditions and to choose a suitable treatment. Call +66 61 448 7000 or LINE @siamderm

Written by Dr. Patara Voravutinon, Dermatologist · Last reviewed 16 July 2026