SKIN CONDITIONS
Telangiectasia (broken capillaries)
Also known as “spider veins” or “broken capillaries”, telangiectasia is a collection of tiny blood vessels in the skin that form red or bluish lines.
- Dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin
- Harmless but a cosmetic concern for some people
- Treated with laser, intense pulsed light or electrosurgery
Telangiectasia (“broken capillaries” or “spider veins”) is a common cosmetic concern with many causes.
What does telangiectasia look like?
Telangiectasia consists of small, dilated blood vessels that appear near the skin surface. They often look like fine lines, web-like networks, or small starbursts spreading out from a central point. The colour can range from red to blue or purple, and they are most commonly found on the face (especially the nose, cheeks, and chin) and the legs.
MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
Close-up view of branching capillaries seen in telangiectasia
Telangiectasia of the nose, as seen in rosacea
Isolated telangiectasia of the nose, as seen in sun-damaged skin.
Who gets telangiectasia?
Telangiectasia is most commonly a result of normal skin ageing and long-term sun exposure. However, telangiectasia can occur at any age on any skin type. Factors that increase the chance of telangiectasia developing are:
- Medial conditions, including rosacea, lupus and scleroderma.
- Certain genetic disorders such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
- Long term excessive alcohol consumption.
- Scarring or injury to the skin.
- Pregnancy.
- Long term steroid use.
Treatment for telangiectasia
Treatment for telangiectasia depends on the underlying cause, the size and location of the affected vessels, and the patient’s overall health. Options may include laser or intense pulsed light therapy, which use light energy to collapse the blood vessels, and electrocautery, which uses an electric current to seal off the blood vessels.
Complications of telangiectasia
While telangiectasia is usually harmless and often more of a cosmetic concern, it can sometimes be associated with more serious underlying conditions. In rare cases, bleeding may occur from the affected vessels. Side effects from treatment can include temporary skin discoloration, bruising, swelling, or discomfort at the treatment site. However, most treatments are well-tolerated and side effects are generally minimal.
Treatments for telangiectasia
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