Spider angiomas are a type of telangiectasias found slightly beneath the skin surface, often containing a central red spot and reddish extensions which radiate outwards like a spider’s web. They are common and may be benign, presenting in around 10–15% of healthy adults and young children.
Spider angiomas form due to failure of the muscle surrounding and serving to guard or close an opening or tube. The central red dot is the dilated arteriole and the red “spider legs” are small veins carrying away the freely flowing blood. If temporary pressure is applied, it is possible to see the emptied veins refilling.
Professional treatments are available at Lasermed with the Intense Pulse Laser (IPL) or Vascular Laser.
