Telangiectasia

Telangiectasia (‘spider veins’) are permanent dilatations of groups of superficial capillaries and venules.

Common causes are actinic damage, atopy producing dermatoses, rosacea, elevated oestrogen levels, venous hypertension and collagen vascular diseases.

Physical examination may reveal spider veins that may be raised or flat and may appear as thin blue, red, or purple vessels, depending on whether they are arterial or venous in origin. Telangiectasia can form anywhere on the body and at any age, though most patients develop spider veins on their legs and face.

They are usually harmless and asymptomatic, with most patients pursuing treatment primarily for reduction, removal, or aesthetics. Treatment options include sclerotherapy, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, thermocoagulation, and microphlebectomy. (1)

Click here for an example image of this condition

Reference

1. Nakano LC, Cacione DG, Baptista-Silva JC, Flumignan RL. Treatment for telangiectasias and reticular veins. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Oct 12;10(10):CD012723.