Telangiectasia is a condition in which widened venules tiny blood vessels cause threadlike red lines or patterns on the skin. These patterns, or telangiectases, form gradually and often in clusters. Telangiectases are common in areas that are easily seen such as the lips, nose, eyes, fingers, and cheeks. They can cause discomfort, and some people find them unattractive. Many people choose to have them removed. Removal is done by causing damage to the vessel and forcing it to collapse or scar.
Telangiectasia
Telangiectasia: Causes, diagnosis, and treatment
But can also be a sign of a more serious disease. Telangiectasias commonly known as "spider veins" are dilated or broken blood vessels located near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. They often appear as fine pink or red lines, which temporarily whiten when pressed. Individuals who are otherwise healthy can develop this condition, and it is sometimes associated with varicose veins. However, telangiectasias are also a classic feature of certain autoimmune diseases that affect the skin and other connective tissues also called connective tissue diseases :.
Should I worry about a telangiectasia?
Telangiectasias are widely open dilated blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin. When seen on the legs, they are often called spider veins. Telangiectasias are very common in healthy people and are usually caused by sun damage or aging. When seen on the legs, they do not necessarily indicate a vein disorder, such as varicose veins or underlying deep vein problems. However, they are seen with a number of diseases, including acne rosacea, birthmarks eg, port-wine stains , scleroderma, several types of inherited disorders ataxia-telangiectasia, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, xeroderma pigmentosum, and others , or with prolonged use of oral or topical corticosteroids.
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a hereditary disorder in which blood vessels are malformed, making them fragile and prone to bleeding. Dilated blood vessels telangiectasia are present on the skin and the lining of the mouth, nose, and digestive tract. When blood vessels break, people develop active bleeding from these vessels, especially those within the nose. Usually the appearance of the dilated blood vessels on the lips and tongue give doctors enough information to make a diagnosis. Doctors stop the episode of bleeding and may give iron supplements or blood transfusions if the person has anemia.