Campbell de Morgan Spots are also called cherry angiomaor hemangioma. They are small red spots that tend to occur in people over the age of 40. Campbell de Morgan Spots can occur with greater frequency as we get older, sometimes leading people to call them senile angioma. They most normally are present on the trunk of the body, usually no larger than about .25 inches (.64 cm) across. Some are pinprick sized and barely noticeable.
The bright red or purple color of Campbell de Morgan Spots results from tiny capillaries at the skin’s surface clustering together and dilating. They are not harmful, and are considered a benign skin growth. Campbell de Morgan Spots are not painful, but some are prone to bleeding when scratched or bruised. People may want them removed simply because they find their presence annoying or unsightly. From a purely medical perspective they don’t require removal unless they’re prone to bleeding frequently.
Commonly, doctors remove Campbell de Morgan Spots via three different methods. Electrosurgery is minor surgery, using a small needle that generates electricity to disrupt and remove an angioma. Cryotherapy is most common, and uses liquid nitrogen to essentially freeze off Campbell de Morgan Spots. Laser removal is now possible with many Campbell de Morgan Spots. These procedures tend to leave very little scarring, if any.
In some cases, Campbell de Morgan Spots do enlarge past the quarter inch mentioned. In these cases, if you notice growth of the spot it can be a good idea to have it removed. Sometimes doctors perform a biopsy to be certain that the spots are indeed harmless angioma. This is often unnecessary since they are well recognized by the medical community. Larger Campbell de Morgan Spots may be slightly more prone to bleeding and a bit more scarring when removed.
Physicians don’t really know what causes Campbell de Morgan Spots, though it is theorized they simply represent one of the aging factors of skin. They occur with equal frequency in both men and women, and incidence of them occurring tends to go up as we age. Some people seem more prone to getting Campbell de Morgan Spots than do others, suggesting that certain skin types or population groups may be more at risk.
Fortunately, to most people Campbell de Morgan Spots do not pose any type of threat. They don’t indicate skin cancer, and they usually don’t require any type of treatment. Yet, as with any skin growth, you should definitely have the appearance of any growths on the skin examined to rule out more harmful skin conditions.
I love my spots. They are part of me and I would never consider removing them or hiding them. I have had them from about the age of 20 and my brother, father and grandmother have them too.
- anon66094
16
I am 30 and have hundreds of these spots, mainly on my arms but seem to be developing everywhere with time. I visited a dermatologist who said they were nothing to worry about. Had them removed with laser treatment. Cost very reasonable.
- anon63946
15
I have had Campbell du Morgan spots for the last 25 years, since my early 20's. Since I was born with a large cherry hemangionoma on my forehead (removed when a week old) the doctor who diagnosed them in my 30's said he was not surprised I developed so many. I have hundreds of pin-prick to freckle-sized ones on my torso, upper thighs and backs of my arms, and a few a bit larger on my breasts.
They have never grown, bled or been painful at all. They do cause me a bit of embarrassment so I wear one piece bathing suits and mid-thigh shorts in summer.
If anyone is concerned with their red spots, please see your doctor or dermatologist to rule out other possible causes. Most likely it is harmless Campbell du Morgan lesions, but better safe than sorry!
- anon37616
14
I have around 100 of these spots varying in size from a pinprick to 5mm in diameter. They are mostly on my chest but also arms and thighs. I'm male age 66 but have had them since early teens. they are increasing in number as I get older
- anon19104
13
please help i think i might have campbell be morgan spots as you have described what i have only i have had them since the age of 4 and i have been to embarrassed to wear skirts ever since and i am almost 15 now.
- anon16413
12
I have mega amounts of campbell de morgan spots all over the front part of my upper torso. Is there anything that can be done for them to lessen the appearance? I am embarrassed to wear any low cut shirt or a bikini top. There is too many (100's) to have them removed. Most of them are pinhead sized.
Help !!!!!!
- chris1994
11
Wow, lots of comments from folks getting these before they're 40. Thanks for all the comments. I think we should say that risk goes up for them occurring after 40, but clearly, you can develop them sooner. For those worried the spots are too large, sudden in appearance, or are bleeding, do consider following the advice of this article and have a doctor look at them. Sudden appearance of any type of skin spots always warrants a doctors visit to rule out other things.
Best, and thank you all for your great comments to this article! Tricia C
- WGwriter
10
The article says that people *tend* to get these in their 40s. Moreover, they are generally benign skin growths. So, I don't think that means that if you get it before you are 40 there is a danger or concern. I have these, most are the size of a pinprick. I've had them since I was young, probably as young as 15 or so. Every member in my family and extended family has them. If you are concerned about associated health concerns though, ask your doctor!
- frankjoseph
9
I've had them off and on, mostly on my left breast since my 20's. They don't pop easily as they are so tiny, but I found a larger one today and blood came out of it. If this usually doesn't happen until the 40's, then should I be concerned the onset was nearly 20yrs earlier?
- anon15192
8
Despite what the article states about age of onset, I first developed Campbell de Morgan spots in my teens. The diagnosis was made by my doctor, and have been seen by my dermatologist. The individual spots have not increased in size or caused any concern or discomfort over the years, but now that I'm in my late 40's they are increasing, slowly, in number.
- anon14934
7
I'm 41, but since I was 21 I noticed pin sized red spots that looked like blood just under my skin. It started on my arms. Now I have them on my legs. After some time, the tiny red spots fades into brown spots. I have numerous brown and red spots now on my arms and legs. One MD even said they are just freckles! It seems they are hereditary since my uncles have them too. Are these Cherry Angioma?
- anon14464
6
im 14 and i have discovered that i have got a campbell de morgan spot and i was just wondering if they will grow bigger as i get older? also it is very uncommon that children get them, so i was wondering if i should be worried? thanks
- sophieJ
5
Hey guys, I'm 27 but had one spot on my abs in my early twenties didnt really know what it was and kept picking on it. It is now a visible raised spot and it has bled when shaving and not careful and it comes back, it has not grown anymore but do want to get it removed. Have noticed a few more here and there usually back, biceps or chest and they are pin size spots. Have read on a number of websites and these tend to occur due to stress as well but have read on these websites as well pretty much what you find on any website that discuss these spots. Not harmful, remove them only if you find them unsightly.
- anon13174
4
I have these spots -- they started when I was 24 and they have been increasing (I'm now 35). At first I had just a few on my chest, but now I have several on my chest, arms, a few on my legs. They are really unsightly -- I'm afraid someone might think I have AIDS or something. Seeing all these other comments I can't believe that these spots are for people over 40 only. Is this a cause for concern? Why would I and others get these spots at such an early age? Also, if you get them removed, will there be scars?
- anon11845
3
I tried popping the ones on my hands with a needle, thinking they were blood spots, but mine didn't go away, and it didn't even bleed like it should have.
- Wingspan
2
I also am only 22 and appear to have these spots according to their description. I have had a total of 4 on my hands alone. The first one I got I thought to be a blood spot so I just burst it with a needle. It did go away. I now have some on my chest and biceps. I wanted to know if they can actually be removed by just puncturing them. I am a little strapped for cash and would like to have these removed before my wedding next year (June 2008)
- anon4109
1
Hi, I noticed these small red dots, needle-point size, over the last couple years, and became aware of their quantity as of late. I first noticed a couple on my hands, and more recently a few on my forearms, and a good number around my biceps/triceps. From description, they sound like "Campbell de Morgan spots," however I do not quite fall into the "middle age / 40ish" year range.
Actually, I am 18, 6'5, and 160 pounds. Could I be mistaking these spots for another issue?
