(See also Overview of Skin Growths Overview of Skin Growths Cells of the skin and underlying tissue may accumulate and cause growths. Growths may be raised or flat and range in color from dark brown or black to skin-colored to red. They may be present... read more and Overview of Growths and Malformations of the Vessels Overview of Growths and Malformations of the Vessels Growths and malformations of the vessels (angiomas) are collections of abnormally dense blood or lymph vessels, usually located in and below the skin, that cause red or purple discolorations... read more .)
Spider angiomas on the face are commonly seen in fair-skinned people and may occur in children. In most people, there is no known cause, but people with cirrhosis Cirrhosis of the Liver Cirrhosis is the widespread distortion of the liver's internal structure that occurs when a large amount of normal liver tissue is permanently replaced with nonfunctioning scar tissue. The scar... read more often develop many spider angiomas, as do many women who are pregnant or who are using oral contraceptives. Spider angiomas are not present at birth.
Spider angiomas are usually less than ¼ inch (about 0.5 centimeters) across. They are harmless and cause no symptoms but may be of cosmetic concern. Spider angiomas that develop during pregnancy or oral contraceptive use usually disappear on their own 6 to 9 months after childbirth or after discontinuing oral contraceptive use.
Treatment of spider angiomas is not usually required, but if it is desired for cosmetic reasons, a doctor can destroy the central blood vessel with laser therapy Using Lasers to Treat Skin Problems or with an electric needle (electrodesiccation).