Cherry Angioma

Question 1

Clinical features?

Answer 1

Flat, red macule, to dome shape
multiple spots
location: trunk and proximal extremities, face, hand, feet and scalp
doesn’t progress in size

Question 2

Cause?

Answer 2

Ageing - over 30s prone
Genetics
Hormonal influence - pregnancy
Environmental - chemicals

Question 3

Why does it happen? (Pathophysiology)

Answer 3

Blood vessels (endothellial cells) proliferation due to excessive growth of capillaries
Blood vessel forms into clusters and fail to constrict
Abnormal capillary (blood vessel) growth and persistant dilation in dermis = cause their bright red colour

Question 4

Treatment plan?

Answer 4

KTP 532nm (short pulse) - small vessels, confine heat to coagulate the small vessels without excessive heat spread
PDL 585nm/595nm (short pulse)
LP Nd:YAG 1064nm (long pulse) - deeper/matured cherry angiomas
ILS 560nm filter
can be treated with diathermy, cryotherapy, or ablative laser (though high scar formation)