Vein health is more significant in our overall well-being than most people realize. For example, spider veins are a common condition treated for cosmetic purposes, but they may still indicate the start of an underlying circulation issue.
This is precisely the case with spider angiomas. As the name implies, they’re similar to spider veins in some respects—appearance, risk factors, and treatment options—but what exactly are these red, spider-like lesions, and how serious are they?
Keep reading as we shed light on the causes and implications of spider angiomas, how they relate to conditions such as spider and varicose veins, how to explore treatment, and several steps you can take to ensure your veins remain healthy and vibrant.
If you’re concerned about any aspect of your circulatory health, start your journey to clarity and peace of mind by contacting a board-certified expert for a consultation at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR). Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
A spider angioma, also called a spider telangiectasia or spider nevus, is described as a small, red or purple lesion resembling a spider that arises on the surface of the skin. Like spider veins, spider angiomas can be a mere cosmetic nuisance—but they can also indicate the start of an underlying health concern depending on their size, location, and quantity.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 38 percent of healthy children have at least one spider angioma, while nearly 60 percent of pregnant individuals also display this condition. Spider angiomas can affect anybody, regardless of health status, but they’re most common in:
One or two spider angiomas generally aren’t a concern, but three or more may provide insight into a previously unrecognized health issue, making it worthwhile to talk to your doctor.
Before discussing specific causes, treatments, and further concerns, it’s important to clarify the distinction between a spider angioma and the various skin conditions that may have a similar appearance but emerge from an unrelated cause. Like spider veins, spider angiomas stem from enlarged blood vessels underneath the area where they appear. They can appear anywhere on the skin but most commonly form on the legs, arms, face, fingers, neck, or torso.
If you’re concerned about an unusual spot on your skin and think it may be a spider angioma, look for the following specific signs:
If you recognize these signs in an unusual formation of blood vessels on the skin, it’s most likely a spider angioma. Remember that only a physician can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you’re looking for answers, reach out to a board-certified CVR physician to discuss the option that aligns best with your needs. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule a consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Now that we’ve discussed the typical location and distinct appearance of spider angiomas, let’s dig deeper into their root cause as it relates to circulation. According to Verywell Health, the formation of spider angiomas is a result of the abnormal dilation of capillaries, and their quantity is a primary indicator of their specific contributor and level of severity in adults:
“Spider angiomas occur when a small cluster of blood vessels comes to the skin's surface. Having one to three spider angiomas is common in children. Overall, they are seen in 10 percent to 15 percent of healthy individuals.
Estrogen can contribute to the development of spider angiomas, which is why the condition is more common in people taking oral contraceptives and during pregnancy. In these cases, a person may have multiple spider angiomas.
Multiple spider angiomas can also result from an underlying issue, such as cirrhosis of the liver, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyrotoxicosis (excess thyroid hormones in the body).” -Verywell Health
The takeaway? Some consider spider angiomas a cosmetic problem—but depending on lifestyle factors, they may be a mere symptom, leaving the actual underlying problem needing to be addressed.
According to the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, the prevalence of spider angiomas in those with liver cirrhosis is reported to be 33 percent. The condition is commonly associated with liver disease, as those with multiple spider angiomas and liver disease generally have symptoms relating to liver issues such as jaundice, confusion, and fluid retention.
Fortunately, spider angiomas caused by an underlying health issue may disappear upon treating the condition. For example, spider angiomas that form due to liver problems may vanish after the patient undergoes a liver transplant.
Children and pregnant individuals may also notice that their spider angiomas resolve on their own since these can be influenced by hormonal changes.
We mentioned that underlying cause or not, spider angiomas often disappear naturally. But when their cause can’t be targeted and there’s no underlying condition to treat, they can linger, leaving a desire for long-term results. Your physician may recommend a procedure such as laser therapy to address the spot in these cases.
Laser therapy is also used to treat large varicose veins and certain symptomatic blood vessels, performed when a physician targets these blood vessels with a beam of light. While effective in removing spider angiomas, the cosmetic nature of the condition means they’re likely to reappear if no root cause is determined. This makes it critical to prioritize overall skin and circulatory health.
While spider angiomas aren’t considered a health concern, some treat them for cosmetic reasons. Knowing the signs of spider angiomas and other skin conditions that may indicate underlying medical issues is key to staying aware and in control of your vein health and overall well-being.
Ready to learn more? Restoring confidence and promoting healthy veins is what we do best! Call 240-965-3915 or click here to book your consultation immediately with a board-certified CVR vein expert.
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