Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Skin Disorders /
Noncancerous Skin Growths /
... /
Spider Angiomas /
IN THIS TOPIC

What is a spider angioma?

What causes spider angiomas?

How do doctors treat spider angiomas?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Noncancerous Skin Growths
Dermatofibromas
Hemangiomas
Keloids
Lipomas
Lymphangiomas
Moles
Port-Wine Stains
Pyogenic Granulomas
Seborrheic Keratoses
Skin Cysts
Skin Tags
Spider Angiomas

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Test your knowledge

Orbital Cellulitis
Which form of treatment may be necessary for orbital cellulitis but not for preseptal cellulitis? 
Click here for Veterinary content
Click here for Veterinary content
Click here for Veterinary content

More Content

Loading
Quick Facts

Spider Angiomas

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision May 2020| Content last modified May 2020
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details
Topic Resources

What is a spider angioma?

A spider angioma is a small, bright-red spot on the skin that's surrounded by thin red lines. These lines may look a little bit like a tiny spider, which is how it gets its name. It's not caused by spiders.

  • Spider angiomas are tiny blood vessels that have grown larger than normal

  • They are harmless and don't hurt or itch

  • You aren't born with spider angiomas—they show up later

  • They usually go away on their own, but doctors can remove them with a laser or electric needle

What causes spider angiomas?

The cause of spider angiomas isn’t known, but some people are more likely to get them:

  • People with a liver disease such as cirrhosis

  • Women who are pregnant or who take birth control pills

Spider angiomas on the face are common in fair-skinned people.

How do doctors treat spider angiomas?

Usually no treatment is needed.

Spider angiomas that appear during pregnancy or while using birth control pills usually go away on their own about a year after you give birth or stop taking the pills.

Doctors can remove spider angiomas with a laser or electric needle.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Skin Tags
Pityriasis Rosea
Others also read
Spider Angiomas Spider Angiomas
Physical Changes During Pregnancy Physical Changes During Pregnancy
Jaundice in Adults Jaundice in Adults

Also of Interest

SOCIAL MEDIA

test
iOS Android
iOS Android
iOS Android

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

View Privacy Shield Verification Status
View APEC CBPR Privacy Certification Status

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2021 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP