About this topic
Telangiectasias are small, widened blood vessels below the top of the skin. They can be red, blue, or purple. They can be flat on the skin or raised above the skin. Most of the time, they are harmless. Sometimes, they can be signs of other health problems or illnesses. They may be in other parts of the body, such as the whites of the eyes, inside the nose or mouth, and the brain. If these bleed, they can cause serious problems. ‚
What are the causes?
These blood vessels widen and stay that way. Sometimes, it is not known what causes this to happen. Other times, causes may be: ‚
- Drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
- Spending too much time in the sun or cold
- Injury from surgery or radiation
- Having too much estrogen
- Birth control pills
- Pregnancy
- Genes passed down from parents
- Aging
Telangiectasias may be a sign of rosacea, lupus, port-wine stains, or other conditions. ‚
What are the main signs?
Red patches of skin that have a lacy pattern that are flat or raised. The patches turn white when the doctor presses on them. They turn back to red when pressure is removed. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam. The doctor will check your skin with care and look at the size, color, and shape of the telangiectasia. Your doctor will press on the part to see if the color changes. The doctor may order: ‚
- Skin biopsy
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- CT or MRI scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Many times, no treatment is needed. Sometimes, doctors suggest: ‚
- Covering the part with make-up
- Laser treatment
- Sclerotherapy to treat patches on the legs ¢ ˆ ’ Drugs are injected into blood vessels to make them shrink.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Sometimes, telangiectasias are a sign of some other problem or disease such as lupus, scleroderma, or a type of skin cancer. These will all need treatment. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Drugs may be used to shrink blood vessels. Your doctor may use drugs to treat health issues that are related to some telangiectasias. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding problems
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Infection
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing that can be done to prevent this problem. ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚