Those tiny red dots on your skin: should you worry? 7 facts, 5 warning signs and £120

You spot them after a shower, scattered across the torso, arms, even the legs.

Many of these specks turn out to be harmless cherry angiomas. Here is how to recognise them, when to act, and which treatments actually help.

What those pinpoint spots usually are

Cherry angiomas are clusters of dilated capillaries in the skin. They look bright red to deep purple. They are flat or slightly dome‑shaped. Most measure 1–5 mm. Some reach 8–10 mm. They favour the trunk, neck, arms and thighs. They do not spread from person to person. They usually cause no pain.

Most tiny red dots measuring 1–5 mm on the trunk or arms are benign cherry angiomas and do not need treatment.

They can bleed if they snag on clothing or jewellery. That bleeding looks dramatic but settles with brief pressure. Many people first notice them in their thirties or later. Fair skin shows them more clearly. The number tends to rise with age.

Why they show up with age

Age is the strongest driver. Hormonal shifts can play a part during pregnancy or midlife. A family tendency often exists. Ultraviolet exposure may contribute, especially after years without regular sun protection.

Genetics: they run in families, sometimes appearing earlier in those with a parental history.
Hormones: new lesions often appear in pregnancy and in perimenopause.
UV light: long‑term sun exposure correlates with more lesions on exposed skin.
Skin tone: fair complexions show more visible lesions, though all skin types can develop them.
Medications: repeated or long courses of corticosteroids can be associated.
Medical care history: prior radiotherapy fields can develop angiomas over time.
Lifestyle factors: coffee, spices, tobacco and alcohol are often blamed; robust proof remains limited.

Seven fast facts you can check at home

They blanch partly when pressed, then refill with colour within seconds.
They are round to oval, with crisp borders and a red “cherry” colour.
They grow slowly over months or years, not overnight.
They sit on or just above the skin, sometimes as a tiny dome.
They do not itch unless irritated by friction.
They bleed readily if nicked by a razor or caught on fabric.
They rarely appear on palms, soles or mucous membranes.

When to get a professional check

Most cherry angiomas are harmless. Some changes deserve a dermatologist’s eye. A quick review confirms the diagnosis and rules out lookalikes.

Book a review if red dots arrive in a sudden cluster or show bleeding, pain, rapid growth or colour change.

Five warning signs that merit an appointment

New bleeding that recurs or is hard to stop.
Rapid enlargement over weeks rather than years.
Shifts in colour to brown, black, or very dark purple.
Tenderness, ulceration or crusting.
A sudden shower of dozens of new lesions without a clear trigger.

Seek urgent care if pinpoint red or purple spots that do not blanch appear with fever, severe headache, neck stiffness or extensive bruising. That pattern can signal conditions unrelated to angiomas.

Treatment options and what to expect

Removal is optional and usually cosmetic. Dermatologists treat single spots in minutes. The aim is to seal the vessels and clear the colour. New angiomas can still develop over the years.

How the common treatments compare

Method	Typical sessions	Sensation	Downtime	Indicative private cost (UK)
Pulsed dye laser (PDL)	1–3 for most lesions	Brief snap like an elastic band	Possible purplish bruising for 3–7 days	£120–£350 per session, size and clinic dependent
Nd:YAG laser	1–3	Warmth to sting; cooling used	Redness or swelling for 24–72 hours	£150–£350 per session
Electrocoagulation	Usually 1	Tingling; local anaesthetic possible	Small scab for a few days	£100–£250 per treatment
Cryotherapy	1–2	Cold sting	Temporary blister or light crust	£60–£180 per session

NHS funding is uncommon for cosmetic removal. Exceptions exist if bleeding or trauma is frequent. Clinics set minimum fees; quotes vary by region and number of lesions.

Treatment can erase the spot in minutes, but no method stops new cherry angiomas forming later in life.

Do “natural” fixes work?

Essential oils and home recipes circulate online. Evidence for clearing cherry angiomas is thin. Some oils irritate sensitive skin or increase sun sensitivity. A patch test on the inner elbow can reduce surprises. Avoid self‑treating any lesion that changes shape or colour. Ask a clinician before applying products during pregnancy or when taking medication.

Not every red dot is an angioma

Several conditions can mimic or mask as a cherry angioma. A few pointers help you tell them apart before you seek advice.

Petechiae: pinpoint red or purple dots that do not blanch under a clear glass. They can reflect platelet or vessel problems and need medical assessment.
Pyogenic granuloma: a small, fast‑growing, blood‑red lump that bleeds easily. It often follows minor trauma and is usually removed.
Spider naevus: a central red dot with fine “legs” of vessels. More common in pregnancy and in some liver conditions.
Inflamed follicle or bite: often itchy or tender, with a central hair or punctum rather than a uniform red dome.

Smart self‑checks that take one minute

Press test: press a clear glass on the spot. Angiomas often blanch then refill. Non‑blanching spots need attention.
Size log: measure with a ruler in millimetres. Photograph with the ruler in frame for reference.
Change notes: write down date, site, colour, bleeding episodes and any new friction from clothing or straps.
Skin care: use broad‑spectrum SPF on exposed skin. Reduce snagging by smoothing rough seams and avoiding abrasive fabrics.
Shaving safety: glide around raised angiomas or use an electric trimmer to reduce cuts.

Adding context that helps your decision

People often ask whether stress triggers these dots. Research remains mixed. Stress can influence hormones and behaviours such as sun habits, which may nudge vessel changes. Clear causal links are scarce. Focus on what you can control: UV exposure, friction, and tracking changes.

Another common question concerns “sudden crops.” A handful of new angiomas over a year is expected past midlife. Dozens erupting in weeks warrants a check, especially if you also notice fatigue, new bruising, fever or unexplained weight change. A clinician can examine the skin with a dermatoscope and decide on imaging or blood tests only if needed.

If you are weighing treatment, try a simple decision frame. Ask: does it bleed, snag or bother your confidence? If yes, request a patch test session on one lesion. Judge comfort with the technique and your healing pattern before scheduling more. Spreading costs across two or three visits can help when many spots are involved.

For those curious about prevention, no method reliably stops angiomas forming. Consistent sun protection, gentle handling of the skin and addressing friction points on straps or waistbands reduce irritation of existing lesions. A yearly skin review captures changes early and gives peace of mind.