Telangiectasias
Telangiectasias are small, dilated blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin. These blood vessels often cause threadlike lines or patterns on the skin, known as telangiectases. Some may refer to telangiectacias as spider veins; however, spider veins are a specific type of telangiectasia characterized by a notable web-like pattern that resembles a spider web.
Symptoms of Telangiectasias
The most notable sign of telangiectasias are the fine, threadlike lines of red, blue, or purple that appear beneath the skin. They commonly appear on the face, nose, chin, and cheeks, where they may also cause facial redness, but can also occur on the legs, chest, back, and arms. Telangiectasias are often asymptomatic, but some patients may experience:
Causes of Telangiectasias
While the exact cause of telangiectasia is unknown, doctors believe they are often caused by a combination of genetic and enivoronmental factors.
Risk Factors for Telangiectasias
Telangiectasias are more visible for those with fair or light-colored skin.
Women are more prone to developing telangiectasias, particularly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause.
Excessive alcohol consumption can affect blood flow and lead to the development of telangiecastias.
Skin conditions like eczema may contribute to the development of visible blood vessels.
Treatment for Telangiectasias
Sclerotherapy is the standard treatment for telangiectasias. It involves injecting a solution, called a sclerosant, directly into the veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade.
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Excel® V+ directly targets telangiectasias with a powerful laser, eliminating them permanently.
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FAQs
While the two terms are often used interchangeably, spider veins are a type of telangiectasias characterized by a web-like pattern, which is more noticeable than most other cases of telganiectasias.
While telangiectasias are often harmless, they can be a sign of more serious conditions, such as vascular diseases or liver disease. It's important to have any new or unusual skin concerns evaluated by a doctor.
Preventive measures for telangiectasia include sun protection, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and managing conditions like rosacea. However, some causes, like genetics, may not be preventable.
