Causes of spider nevus on the face

The incidence of spider nevi on the face is becoming more and more common, but few people know the reasons why they have spider nevi. This situation is mainly related to the increase in estrogen levels in the body. Therefore, female friends are more likely to have spider nevi, especially pregnant women.

The occurrence of this disease may be related to increased estrogen levels. It has been found that the estrogen levels in the blood of patients with chronic liver disease who have obvious spider nevi and some healthy pregnant women are dozens of times higher than that of normal people. When diseases such as acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis cause liver damage, the liver's inactivation of estrogen is reduced, leading to an increase in estrogen in the blood, especially 17-β-estradiol and estrone, which causes dilation of arteriolar capillaries.

It can also be seen in rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, Cushing's syndrome, etc. However, the appearance of spider nevi on the skin is not always a sign of disease. About 10% to 15% of normal people may also have spider nevi, such as children aged 6 to 10 years old and young women, especially pregnant women. About 40% of healthy pregnant women have spider nevi. The cause of spider nevi in ​​children may be due to increased estrogen levels during the developmental stage.

Spider nevi vary in size, with the largest one being up to 1.5 cm in diameter. They are composed of a central arteriole and many capillaries radiating outward. The central nevus body protrudes above the skin surface, and the capillaries extending outward are called spider feet (pseudopodia). When the central point is compressed, the entire vascular nevus can disappear. When the compression is removed, blood can be seen filling from the center to the outside. It is common in areas above the trunk, especially the face, neck and hands, and can also occur in areas of trauma. It is often unilateral, solitary, or multiple. If multiple cases occur, liver disease should be suspected. Similar damage may occur to the lips and nasal mucosa.

Spider nevi that occur during pregnancy usually disappear on their own within 6 weeks after delivery and do not require special treatment. The treatment for spider nevi caused by liver lesions is mainly the treatment of the primary disease. Spider nevi occurring on the face are unsightly, so patients often request treatment.

1. Physical therapy

The disease can be cured by destroying the central blood vessels using high-frequency electrocautery, diathermy, or carbon dioxide laser, YAG laser, or microwave therapy.

2. Surgery

For patients who still relapse after multiple treatments, local excision can be performed.