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These vascular skin growths, typically red or purple in color, occur on the surface of your skin and are typically harmless.
What is it?
Angiomas, which are small, elevated outgrowths, can manifest anywhere on the body. They are typically a red or purple hue and are most frequently seen in adults, both men and women. These are typically harmless and do not need treatment. Hemangiomas, also referred to as strawberry marks due to their distinctive red color and elevated look, are seen more prevalently in babies and children, showing up on the skin as a birthmark or internal organs like the liver or brain. Typically, hemangiomas go through phases of growth, then go away on their own by the age of 10.
Angiomas and hemangiomas are both usually harmless and resolve on their own. In some cases, medical removal is needed if the lesions start to change color or shape, bleed or generally become bothersome. External factors, such as rubbing against clothing, sometimes warrant removal to avoid further irritation. Some patients also elect to remove angiomas and hemangiomas for cosmetic reasons.
How is it treated?
When treatment is deemed necessary, angiomas and hemangiomas can be removed with a laser or liquid nitrogen. With both procedures, it removes the problematic blood vessels and damaged cells. Removal tends to cause only minor discomfort and generally has very good cosmetic results.
While most angiomas and hemangiomas are benign, it’s important to have them examined by one of our professional, board-certified dermatologists to ensure they are not malignant. Our team of board-certified dermatologists at Mountain State Dermatology serving Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Elkins, Hurricane, Morgantown, Parkersburg, South Charleston and Wheeling, West Virginia; in Waynesburg and Uniontown, Pennsylvania and in Marietta, Ohio, will get you the right diagnosis and design a treatment plan to meet your needs.