Cherry Versus Spider Angiomas

What's the actual difference between cherry angiomas and spider angiomas? I've heard both terms thrown around and I'm not sure if I have one type or the other, or if they're even different things. Mine look like small red dome-shaped bumps, some flat and some slightly raised. Would this affect the removal process if I decided to have them treated?

They're actually different types of vascular lesions. Cherry angiomas are clusters of capillaries that appear as round, dome-shaped red bumps, which sounds like what you're describing. Spider angiomas have a central red spot with tiny blood vessels radiating outward from the center, kind of like a spider's legs - hence the name. Both are benign, but they have different appearances and sometimes different underlying causes. Spider angiomas are sometimes associated with liver issues or pregnancy, whereas cherry angiomas are just a common skin growth that happens to many people. The removal process can be similar for both, though the approach might be slightly different depending on their structure.

Based on your description of dome-shaped bumps, you most likely have cherry angiomas. I had a mix of appearance types - some were completely flat red spots and others were slightly raised. My dermatologist confirmed they were all cherry angiomas despite looking a bit different from each other. If you're unsure, definitely have a professional look at them to confirm what type of vascular lesion you have. The good news is that whether they're perfectly flat or slightly raised doesn't really change the removal process much. I had both types removed in the same session using the same laser treatment. This resource explains the characteristics of cherry angiomas pretty well: https://bellasanamedspa.com/blog/angioma-removal-safe-and-effective-removal - it might help you identify whether that's what you're dealing with. Either way, a consultation with a dermatologist or qualified med spa can give you a definitive answer.