Spider angioma is an abnormal collection of blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

Nevus araneus; Spider telangiectasia; Vascular spider; Spider nevus; Arterial spiders

Spider angiomas are very common. They often occur in pregnant women and in people with liver disease. They can appear in both children and adults. They get their name because the mark looks similar to a red spider.

They appear most often on the face, neck, upper part of the trunk, arms, and fingers.

The main symptom is a blood vessel spot that:

• May have a red dot in the center
• Has reddish extensions that reach out from the center
• Disappears when pressed on and comes back when pressure is released

In rare cases, bleeding occurs in a spider angioma.

Spider angiomas usually do not need treatment, but burning (electrocautery) or laser treatment is sometimes done.

Spider angiomas in children may disappear after puberty, and often disappear after a woman gives birth. Untreated, spider angiomas tend to last in adults.

Treatment is often successful.

Let your provider know if you have a new spider angioma so they can check for other related medical conditions.

Published Date: October 13, 2024
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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