Another extremely common and completely benign cause of red dots is cherry angiomas. These appear as small, bright red bumps that are slightly raised and smooth to the touch. They often look like tiny drops of red paint on the skin and are most frequently found on the torso, chest, back, shoulders, and arms. Cherry angiomas result from an overgrowth of small blood vessels and tend to become more common with age, especially after the age of thirty. Genetics play a strong role, meaning they often run in families. Hormonal changes and natural aging processes may also influence their development. While they can appear suddenly and increase in number over time, they are harmless and do not turn into cancer. They generally do not cause pain or discomfort and only bleed if accidentally scratched or injured. Many people live with multiple cherry angiomas throughout their lives without any health consequences. Their presence is more a marker of normal aging than of any underlying disease.
