Telangiectasias are small, widened blood vessels on the skin. They are usually meaningless, but may be associated with several diseases.
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 may include:
Diseases associated with this condition include:
Call your health care provider if you notice enlarged vessels in the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes.
The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms, including:
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.
Vascular ectasias
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.
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