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Noncancerous Skin Growths

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic condition that causes itchy inflammation of the upper layers of skin. Eczema is especially common in people who have hay fever or asthma, and in people whose family members have these conditions. Eczema is common, particularly in urban areas and developed countries. What percentage of children and adolescents are affected by eczema?

5%
20%
50%
70%

Spider Angiomas

Q: What is a spider angioma?

Spider angiomas are small, bright-red spots that are surrounded by tiny blood vessels (capillaries), which resemble spider legs. They are normal in many healthy people. They commonly develop in women who are pregnant or use oral contraceptives and in people who have cirrhosis of the liver.

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The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision May 2020| Content last modified May 2020

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Spider Angiomas

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

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 Cirrhosis of the Liver Your liver is a football-sized organ on the right side of your belly, just below your ribs. It has many important jobs: To make a liquid (bile) that helps your body digest fat To process nutrients... read more
Women who are pregnant or who take birth control pills

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

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.

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Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic condition that causes itchy inflammation of the upper layers of skin. Eczema is especially common in people who have hay fever or asthma, and in people whose family members have these conditions. Eczema is common, particularly in urban areas and developed countries. What percentage of children and adolescents are affected by eczema?

5%
20%
50%
70%

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What is a spider angioma?