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Telangiectasia
Definition
Telangiectasias are small, widened blood vessels on the skin. They are usually meaningless, but may be associated with several diseases.
Alternative Names
Vascular ectasias
Considerations
Telangiectasias may develop anywhere within the body but can be easily seen in the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes. Usually, they do not cause symptoms. However, some telangiectasias bleed and cause significant problems. Telangiectasias may also occur in the brain and cause major problems from bleeding.
Causes
Causes may include:
- Alcohol use
- Aging
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Sun exposure
Diseases associated with this condition include:
- Ataxia - telangiectasia
- Bloom syndrome
- Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome)
- Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome
- Nevus flammeus such as port-wine stain
- Rosacea
- Spider angioma
- Sturge-Weber disease
- Xeroderma pigmentosa
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you notice enlarged vessels in the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms, including:
- Where are the blood vessels located?
- Do they bleed easily and without reason?
- What other symptoms are present?
Tests may be needed to diagnose or rule out a medical condition. Such tests may include:
Sclerotherapy is the treatment for telangectasias on the legs. Laser treatment is typically used to treat telangectasias of the face.
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
