SPIDER ANGIOMA:

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What is a Spider angioma?

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A Spider angioma is red spot, which appears on the surface of the skin as a result of a collection of small, dilated blood vessels.

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A spider angioma goes by several names:
• spider nevus 
• nevus araneus
• vascular spider

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These lesions are named after a spider, due to their characteristic appearance of a central red spot, and reddish extensions, which radiate out like a spider’s web.

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What causes these lesions to form?
Spider angiomas can be caused by injury to the skin, excessive sun exposure, liver conditions, or hormonal changes.
However in the vast majority of cases the cause is not detected.

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There is evidence of genetic predisposition to this condition.

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Are they painful?
For most patients, a spider angioma causes no discomfort at all.The exception is lesions that are present in the legs. Theses lesions may lead to an aching leg pain or a burning sensation, in the case of prolonged standing.

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Where are they found?
Spider angiomas can be found almost anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the face, neck, and legs, as these areas are exposed to sun. A helpful test to aid in the diagnosis is the pressure test. When pressure is applied to the angioma, they disappear momentarily, and then reappear.

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Should I be worried?
As stated above, spider angiomas are usually no cause for concern. In the vast majority of patients, they are benign and no underlying cause can be found.

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If these lesions occur in large numbers, it is important to see your doctor to rule out liver disease and hormonal imbalances. 
If you are at all worried, please see your Medical Doctor for a definitive diagnosis.

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How is spider angioma diagnosed?
The diagnosis is normally made clinically by a Medical Doctor. 
Your doctor will examine the lesion, and apply pressure to ensure it disappears and then reappears.
If there is suspicion of an underlying medical condition, further blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound may be required.
A skin biopsy will definitively confirm the diagnosis, although this is not normally needed.

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What is the treatments for spider angiomas?
For many patients, no treatment is required of a spider angioma.
If it is not aching or burning, or cosmetically displeasing, you don’t have to remove it.

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Should you wish to remove a spider angioma, Sciton’s BBL Hero is a great option.

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BBL Hero (Broad Band light therapy)

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The BBL is created to powerfully and effectively treat spider angiomas, causing no scarring and a very pleasing aesthetic result.

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The number of treatments varies greatly from patient to patient. 
(1 to 5 treatments may be required.)

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How can I prevent a spider angioma from forming?
It is not always possible to prevent a spider angioma from occurring.
If you are genetically predisposed to this condition, it will likely occur no matter what you do.
Helpful tips to decrease you risk include:
-SPF on all sun-exposed skin
-Avoidance of hormone therapy
-Avoiding excessive alcohol intake

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Body 360 Medical Aesthetics Cape Town