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Spider angioma Causes and Risks:
A spider angioma lesion typically has a red dot in the center with a reddish blush extending out for some distance around it (a few millimeters to a centimeter or more). Spider angiomas can occur anywhere but in children are most common on the face, hands, forearms, and ears. They are of most concern to parents when they occur on the face. The most common site on the face is over the cheek bones. Traction and pressure on the skin over the spider will makes it disappear, but when the pressure is released the lesion refills with blood and rapidly becomes visible.
In adults, spider angiomas may be associated with other medical conditions. In children, spider angiomas are not associated with other conditions. Spider angiomas are common and nearly half of school-age children may develop a spider at some time.
Prevention:
No preventive measures are known.
Symptoms:
- a vascular (blood vessel) lesion
- typically a red dot in the center with a reddish blush extending out for some distance around it (a few millimeters to a centimeter or more)
- disappears with pressure and reappears when the pressure is released.
- common in children
- most frequently seen on the face, below the eyes and over the cheekbones
- other common sites include hands, forearms and ears
Signs and Tests:
No testing is usually necessary.
Treatment:
Treatment is generally not necessary and the lesions resolve spontaneously in children.
For bothersome facial spider angiomas, the lesion can be obliterated with electrocautery or laser treatment.
Prognosis:
Gradual, complete healing can be expected.
Complications:
There are usually no significant complications.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
A spider angioma can 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).
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