Telangiectasias

Also known as: telangiectasia, spider veins, spider nevi

What is telangiectasias?

Telangiectasias is a common single or multiple vascular abnormality found on the skin of children and adults from widened small veins which form little red lines or patterns on the skin, or look like a red spider with small vessels surrounding a red center. They are usually harmless but can sometimes bleed. Uncommonly, they may be a sign of an associated illness.

What causes telangiectasias?

Dilatation of small blood vessels on the body may be due to a very large number of conditions. Genetic or environmental factors or both may be involved.

What are the symptoms of telangiectasias?

Other than the physical appearance of the veins, many cases of telangiectasias do not have other symptoms. However, they can cause abnormal bleeding in some instances. If associated with other disorders children may present with a variety of other symptoms.

What are telangiectasias care options?

Depending on the position, number and/or size of the spider nuvi and their cosmetic effects, no treatment, or laser therapy or sclerotherapy may be used.


Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: August 19, 2021 12:35 PM