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Spider angioma

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Nevus araneus

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.

• Review Date: 10/26/2006
• Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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