Finding a tiny bright-red spot on your chest, arms, back, or face can be surprising, especially when you don’t remember it being there before. One common explanation is a cherry angioma—a small growth made up of blood vessels near the skin’s surface. They can appear red, burgundy, or purple and may be completely flat or slightly raised.

Cherry angiomas become increasingly common with age, particularly after about 30, and people may gradually develop more of them over the years. Their exact cause isn’t completely understood, although age and genetics appear to play important roles. Most cherry angiomas are benign and don’t require treatment. However, not every red mark on the skin is necessarily a cherry angioma. The important part is recognizing the changes that mean a seemingly ordinary spot deserves a closer look from a healthcare professional.