Cherry Angiomas?

I have just recently noticed that I have what appear to be cherry angiomas on my trunk, breasts and a few on my thighs. If I look very, VERY closely at my inner arms I can see what appear to be almost microscopic pin-***** looking red spots, which I am assuming are the same small lesions that I have elsewhere.

I am a 29-year-old white female and have had 2 pregnancies/2 live births. I have also been on and off birth control over the years, most recently getting off of the pill (Yaz) 1.5 months ago. In overall good health, very active, currently training for a sprint triathlon.

I have read varying information about these lesions. From being harmless and progressing with age and/or hormone changes (pregnancy, birth control, etc), to being a possible sign of an internal malignancy. I recently had a physical with good looking blood work minus a slightly elevated lymph (it was 49, my doctor said most likely a virus) and slightly elevated cholesterol (206 total, LDL - 103, HDL - 86, low triglycerides - I have a family history of high cholesterol). Everything else was normal with my physical.

Any information about these would be helpful! I am somewhat concerned in that more have seemed to appear this year, hoping to chalk it up to turning 30 shortly... Thank you in advance!

[alc1982]

Sorry, the word pinpricks was flagged above. Should say 'pinprick' looking spots.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The underlying cause for the development of cherry angiomas is not understood, so nothing can be predicted about their prevention but rest assured; they are harmless. If they are to be removed for cosmetic reasons, electrosurgery and cryosurgery can be used. More recently pulsed dye laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment are also used.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.