What are spider angiomas
Spider angiomas are caused by small arteries that travel to the surface of the skin and branch out, resembling a small red spider with tiny legs. Over time, the central feeding artery may dilate, recruiting additional branches and resulting in a slowly enlarging red spot. Spider angiomas can occur anywhere, but they are most noticeable when they appear on the face.
Treatment
Pulsed yellow dye laser treatment is usually curative, most often as a single office treatment. Most insurance companies consider this to be a cosmetic condition; consult your insurance company to find out if it covers laser treatment for spider angiomas.
Resources to help
Comprehensive Vascular Anomalies Program (CVAP) Resources
Meet your team
Every CHOP expert on your child’s team has the same goal: to give your child the best possible care. We have many types of specialists who provide medical care, emotional support and much more.
Reviewed by David W. Low, MD