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Alternative names Return to top
Nevus araneusDefinition Return to top
Spider angioma is an abnormal collection of blood vessels near the surface of the skin. The appearance is often similar to that of a small spider web.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
A spider angioma lesion typically has a red dot in the center with reddish extensions radiating out for some distance around it (a few millimeters to a centimeter or more). Spider angiomas can occur anywhere but are most common on the face and trunk.
Spider angiomas are very common and are especially prevalent during pregnancy and in patients with liver disease.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
No testing is usually necessary, but a skin biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis in some cases.Treatment Return to top
Treatment is generally not necessary.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Spider angiomas often disappear in children but tend to persist in adults.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
A spider angioma can usually be examined at a routine visit. It is especially important for adults to mention the development of a new spider angioma (to rule out associated medical conditions). Update Date: 1/11/2003 Updated by: Glen H. Crawford, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |