Cherry angiomas and petechiae are both skin conditions that can cause red spots to appear on your skin. Cherry angiomas are common, noncancerous skin growths. Petechiae, on the other hand, can be a sign of something serious going on in your body.
This article will walk you through the differences between cherry angiomas vs petechiae, including what causes them, what they look like, and when to see a doctor.
It’s important to know how to evaluate skin changes yourself. However, you should always seek medical advice if you’re concerned about a new rash or spot on your skin.
What are cherry angiomas?
Cherry angiomas are tiny, round, bright red spots that show up on the skin. You might also hear them called cherry hemangiomas, senile angiomas, ruby spots, or Campbell de Morgan spots. They’re usually pretty small, less than 5 mm across.
These spots most often show up on the chest, belly, pelvis, and back, but they can really pop up anywhere on the body.
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes them, but they seem to show up more as people get older. Some things that might make you more likely to get them are aging, pregnancy, some genetic conditions, immune problems, and being around certain chemicals or medicines.
What are Petechiae?
Petechiae are small spots on your skin that may be red, purple, or brown. They aren’t raised, and they usually don’t hurt. They’re typically less than 2 millimeters wide.
Petechiae can appear almost anywhere on the body, but they’re often found on the legs or trunk.
They’re usually caused by damaged blood vessels or low platelet counts, but they can also be a symptom of more serious diseases like leukemia. If you suddenly have a large number of petechiae, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Key differences in appearance and characteristics
While both cherry angiomas and petechiae can cause small red spots on the skin, they have distinct characteristics that can help you tell them apart.
Color and size
Cherry angiomas tend to be bright red and slightly raised. They’re usually larger than petechiae, but they’re still generally smaller than 5 millimeters.
Petechiae can be red, purple, or brown, and they’re always flat. They’re also smaller than cherry angiomas, usually no larger than 2 millimeters.
Reaction to pressure
If you press on a cherry angioma, it may briefly lose some color, but the color will return quickly once you release the pressure.
Petechiae don’t blanch when pressed. That’s a key difference because many rashes will lighten under pressure, but petechiae will remain the same color.
Texture
Cherry angiomas can sometimes be slightly raised or dome-shaped.
Petechiae are always flat against the skin.
Underlying causes and associated conditions
Both cherry angiomas and petechiae can, in rare cases, point to something more serious going on in your body.
Cherry angiomas
These are usually chalked up to the effects of aging and are typically harmless. However, if you suddenly develop a lot of cherry angiomas, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem. These associations are rare, but it could point to liver disease, chronic graft-versus-host disease, or some kind of lymphoproliferative disorder.
Petechiae
Petechiae have a wider range of potential causes. They can be caused by trauma (like a hickey), infections, autoimmune disorders, or even medications.
Petechiae can be a symptom of leukemia, especially if you have other symptoms, too. With leukemia, petechiae is often caused by a low platelet count. Other signs of leukemia can include fever, night sweats, easy bruising, and weight loss for no apparent reason.
When to seek medical attention
Most of the time, cherry angiomas are harmless and don’t require a trip to the doctor. But you should get it checked out if a cherry angioma starts to bleed, changes its size or shape, or causes you concern for any reason.
It’s also a good idea to seek medical advice if you suddenly develop many cherry angiomas over a short period of time.
Petechiae, on the other hand, are a different story. You should get medical attention right away if you notice petechiae, especially if you also have a fever, feel tired, or have any unexplained bleeding.
Because petechiae can be a sign of serious conditions like leukemia or bone marrow failure, it’s important to get a thorough evaluation.
“Sometimes the first sign someone has of bone marrow failure or leukemia is the petechiae that appear on the skin,” says one hematologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do petechiae blood spots look like?
Petechiae appear as tiny, flat, round spots that are usually red, purple, or brown. They’re smaller than 2 millimeters in diameter and often resemble a rash. You’ll typically find them clustered together, and they don’t blanch (turn white) when you press on them. They can be a sign of various underlying conditions, so it’s best to consult a doctor if you notice them.
Can cherry angiomas be pinpoint size?
Yes, cherry angiomas can start out as very small, almost pinpoint-sized red dots on the skin. In their early stages, they might be difficult to distinguish from other skin conditions. Over time, they tend to grow slightly larger, becoming raised and more easily identifiable as cherry angiomas.
What can be mistaken for cherry angioma?
Several skin conditions can sometimes be mistaken for cherry angiomas. These include spider angiomas (which have radiating “legs”), telangiectasias (dilated blood vessels), and even moles or freckles in some cases. Petechiae, as we discussed, can also sometimes be confused with cherry angiomas if the angiomas are very small and flat. If you’re unsure about a spot on your skin, it’s always a good idea to have it checked out by a dermatologist.
In Closing
Cherry angiomas and petechiae might look similar, but they’re different. Cherry angiomas are usually harmless skin growths that pop up as we age. Petechiae, on the other hand, can be a sign of something more serious going on beneath the skin.
If you’re worried about petechiae or any changes in your skin, see a doctor right away. They can figure out what’s causing the spots and make sure you get the treatment you need.
Remember, this article is just for information. It’s not a substitute for seeing a qualified healthcare provider.