What are spider nevi? Causes of spider veins

The appearance of spider nevi is closely related to the increase in estrogen levels, especially when estrogen metabolism is impaired in the liver, then spider nevi will appear. It can be treated with high-frequency electrocautery, diathermy or carbon dioxide laser.

1. The occurrence of spider nevi is related to increased estrogen levels

Most of the patients are pregnant women and patients with liver disease. Most women will develop liver damage during pregnancy. In liver disease, due to the disorder of estrogen metabolism in the liver, the estrogen level in the body increases and spider nevi are easily caused.

2. Predisposing sites

Spider nevi vary in size. The central part of the nevus protrudes above the skin surface. Pulsation can be seen when the glass slide is pressed. The capillaries around the nevus can be seen to be dilated and arranged radially with the naked eye. 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 the disease occurs multiple times, liver disease should be suspected; similar damage may occur to the lips and nasal mucosa.

3. Physical therapy

In terms of treatment, physical therapy can use high-frequency electrocautery, diathermy or carbon dioxide laser and microwave therapy to destroy the central blood vessels, which can cure the disease. For patients who still relapse after multiple treatments, local excision can be performed. Lesions that occur during pregnancy often resolve on their own within 6 weeks after delivery, but they may persist. Most of the damage in children is persistent, and a few may disappear on their own.

In fact, to confirm whether it is a spider nevus, we need to see whether it is caused by visceral diseases, such as chronic inflammation of the liver. If there is no such disease, laser can be used for treatment. The principle of laser treatment for spider nevi is that the photothermal reaction produced by the tissue absorbing high-energy laser causes the local temperature to suddenly rise to hundreds of degrees or higher within a few seconds, causing the tissue to undergo coagulative necrosis, or even carbonization or vaporization. At the same time, due to the rapid heat, the tissue suddenly loses water dramatically, and after focusing, it can be used to cut or burn the diseased tissue. Therefore, we should also pay attention to the treatment and adjust the methods in time.