Skin Conditions | Spider Naevi

Spider Naevi get their name from their ‘spider line’ appearance. They are small clusters of dilated blood vessels on the surface of the skin, which have a central spot with the other vessels coming out of it, like spider’s legs. They are also known as Spider Angiomas and Spider Telangictasia and are fairly common. In some instances, they can be an indicator of underlying liver disease, but in the majority of cases they are completely harmless.

What causes Spider Naevi?

Hormonal changes in the body appear to play a part in the development of Spider Naevi. The condition has been linked to increased levels of oetrogen, which makes pregnant women and people with liver disease more prone. Age, weight gain, immobility and sun exposure have not been attributed to the formation of Spider Naevi.

Where can you get Spider Naevi?

Spider Naevi are most commonly found on the face and neck, although you can get them on other parts of the body, such as the arms. They are less commonly found on the lower body and are not the same as thread veins or spider veins on the legs.

Who can get Spider Naevi?

Anyone can get Spider Naevi, even children, but women are more prone because of the link to the hormone oestrogen. People with liver disease, especially alcohol related liver disease, are also more likely to develop them. This is again linked to levels of oestrogen in the body.

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