Spider angioma

Alternative names:

nevus araneus

Definition:

A group of abmormal blood vessel that produces the appearance of a spider-web on the surface of the skin. It has a central feeder artery from which smaller vessels radiate outward at the skin surface.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.