How would you call this?

[Nmarius]

Just a quick question: what is this? Is this a spider vein (or start of one)? Spider angioma?

Observed this almost 6-8 months ago on my left shoulder. It's in same size as first time observed.

Any thoughts? Thanks

[Gamer1]

No expert but l don't think so. Mine were a lot smaller and darker. Best to say to your GP to be sure. All the best, Gamer.

[Chris-harris]

Im no expert so you should really see a gp, i do however have a lot of Spider veins and they do not look like this, for me there was no mistaking what they are as they are so obvious x

Was going to add picture of mine but can't figure how to

[Popel]

Hi there. We are not qualified doctors who can comment you really need to be seeing your gp but wish you well.

[Popel]

Hi again I’ve just posted what spider veins look like.and still got them even though I’ve had a liver transplant.also got them on my hands stomach and tiny ones around my nose.paul

[Nmarius]

Thanks for replies. I know that you are doctors. Just wanted to know your thoughts.

Thanks again!

[Hidden]

They are harmless and no cause for concern

[Popel in reply to Hidden]

Hi Laura.your right they are harmless but with cirrhosis it so changes the way we look and I was so self conscious of this.and felt that every time I went anywhere people who knew me would be talking behind my back that’s how paranoid I was.perhaps being to vain so what made this worse was these dam veins that appeared on my face that won’t ever go.so I suppose its were they appear that would be a cause of concern to people and not that they can cause us harm health wise.paul

[Hidden in reply to Popel]

Yes i can understand that its different for people with a condition such as cirrhosis, always looking at and for any changes which may or may not be linked to the illness.

This kind of "paranoia" ( for want of a better phrase ..... no, lets call it, awareness or concern instead? ) isn't only attached to cirrhosis but to many other long term illnesses.

My Mum was the same after been cured of cancer but becoming disabled. The slightest mark on her body, ache or twinge and she'd be on the phone to me. I always somehow managed to put her mind at rest .... til the next time!

All the best x

[AyrshireK]

Those look more like (fairly common) spider veins & not to be confused with Spider Angioma / Naevi (which are sometimes linked with liver conditions).

Spider veins are small, damaged veins that can appear on the surface of the legs or face. They are usually not painful or harmful, but some people may wish to treat them for cosmetic reasons.

Spider veins can be blue, purple, or red and may appear in the form of thin lines, webs, or branches. People sometimes also refer to them as thread veins.

A spider angioma or spider naevus (plural spider naevi) is a type of telangiectasis (swollen blood vessels) 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. However, having more than three spider angiomas is likely to be abnormal and may be a sign of liver disease. It also suggests the probability of esophageal varices.