Do Cherry Angiomas Go Away After Pregnancy?

Cherry angiomas are small, bright red bumps on the skin made of clusters of tiny blood vessels. They are extremely common, and many women notice them for the first time during pregnancy. The short answer is that they usually do not go away completely on their own after you give birth. While some may fade slightly or stop growing, the mark itself typically remains on the skin permanently unless it is actively treated by a dermatologist.

Why Do Cherry Angiomas Appear During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy causes significant changes in your blood volume and hormone levels. Your body produces more blood to support the growing baby, and your blood vessels dilate to handle the increased flow. This combination of higher blood volume and hormonal shifts—specifically estrogen—creates the right conditions for these small vascular growths to form.

This is not just a guess. The link between pregnancy hormones and cherry angiomas is well documented in dermatology. The lesions are essentially benign tumors of the blood vessels, and the hormonal environment of pregnancy acts as a catalyst for their growth. If you have a genetic tendency toward them, pregnancy often brings them out earlier or in greater numbers than they would have appeared otherwise.

What Happens to Them After Delivery?

After you deliver, your hormone levels drop back to normal, and your blood volume returns to its pre-pregnancy state. This is when many women expect the angiomas to vanish. In reality, the growth process stops, but the existing lesion usually remains.

Think of it like a faucet being turned off. The water stops flowing, but the puddle is still there. The angioma may become slightly lighter in color or flatter over time as the blood flow normalizes, but the structure of the dilated capillaries remains in the skin. It is rare for a cherry angioma to fully disappear without intervention.

Are Cherry Angiomas Dangerous?

No. Cherry angiomas are benign. They are not a sign of skin cancer, and they do not turn into cancer. They are simply a cosmetic issue for most people.

There is one thing to watch for, however. If a cherry angioma changes shape, bleeds frequently, or turns black, you should have a doctor look at it. These changes are uncommon, but they warrant a professional evaluation to rule out other types of skin growths that can look similar, such as a melanoma or a pyogenic granuloma. If you are unsure about any new or changing skin lesion, a dermatologist can provide a definitive diagnosis.

Can You Prevent New Ones From Forming?

There is no proven way to prevent cherry angiomas from forming during pregnancy. Because they are tied to your genetics and the natural hormonal changes of pregnancy, there is no topical cream, diet, or supplement that has been shown to stop them.

Be cautious of any product claiming to prevent or remove cherry angiomas without a prescription. The skin care market is full of unproven claims. If a product could truly eliminate vascular lesions, it would require a prescription and would be used by dermatologists. No over-the-counter serum has the ability to remove a physical cluster of blood vessels from your skin.

Do Cherry Angiomas Go Away After Pregnancy With Treatment?

If you want the angiomas removed, you have safe and effective options. Dermatologists routinely remove these lesions for cosmetic reasons. The three standard treatments are:

• Pulsed dye laser: This uses a concentrated beam of light to heat and destroy the blood vessels. It is highly effective and leaves minimal scarring.
• Electrocautery: This uses a small electric current to burn off the lesion. It is quick and effective but may leave a small scab that heals over a week.
• Cryotherapy: This freezes the lesion with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off. It is a common and inexpensive option.

These procedures are considered low-risk. They are typically done in an office visit and take only minutes. Most people require only one session for complete removal, though larger lesions may need a second treatment. The main downside is that these treatments are usually considered cosmetic, meaning your health insurance may not cover the cost.

It is important to wait until after you have stopped breastfeeding before pursuing treatment. The laser and other methods are safe for the skin, but there is no reason to undergo an elective procedure while your body is still adjusting hormonally. Waiting a few months allows your skin to stabilize and ensures that any angioma that might have faded naturally has already done so.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

You do not need to see a doctor for a standard cherry angioma. However, you should make an appointment if you notice any of the following:

• The lesion grows rapidly or changes color.
• It bleeds without injury.
• It becomes painful or itchy.
• You have multiple new lesions that appear suddenly after pregnancy.

These symptoms are not typical for a cherry angioma and warrant a professional look. A dermatologist can quickly distinguish between a benign angioma and other types of growths that may require different management.

Are They Linked to Any Health Conditions?

For most people, cherry angiomas are simply a sign of aging and genetics. They become more common as you get older, and most adults have at least a few by middle age.

There is some research suggesting that a sudden eruption of many cherry angiomas at once could be associated with certain internal conditions, but this is rare and not well established. The presence of a few cherry angiomas, even a dozen, is not a red flag for any serious health issue. If you develop dozens of them in a very short period, it is reasonable to mention this to your doctor, but you should not assume it indicates a health problem.

Can You Cover Them Up?

If you prefer not to have them treated, cosmetic concealers and self-tanner work well. Cherry angiomas are flat or slightly raised, so a full-coverage concealer can effectively hide them. Waterproof formulas hold up best, especially if you are active or spend time outdoors.

Some women find that their angiomas become less noticeable as their skin tone changes over time. This is not the same as the lesion disappearing, but it can reduce the cosmetic concern. The underlying blood vessels are still there.