Telangiectasias, which you may know as “spider veins,” are dilated or broken blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They often look like fine pink or red lines. “Matted” telangiectasias are clusters of these blood vessels that form a pink or red patch of skin. This is sometimes associated with varicose veins.
Many things can cause telangiectasias including connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma, dermatomyositis, and lupus. More commonly, fair-skinned people develop them in areas where their body has had chronic sun damage.
People with the following conditions are more like to develop telangiectasias:
· Pregnancy
· Rosacea
· Liver disease
· Chronic systemic or topical corticosteroid use
Telangiectasias prevention
There are a few steps you can take to help you avoid telangiectasias:
· Avoid using topical steroids
· Minimize your exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures
· Protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen and other protective gear such as a hat and sunglasses
· Use mild cleansers on your skin (avoid using cleansers with dyes and fragrances)
Treating telangiectasias
Laser therapy is one way to treat telangiectasias. This therapy utilizes a specific light wavelength to selectively heat hemoglobin, which is the protein that causes the red color of blood). Superficial facial telangiectasia can be managed with laser treatment. Sometimes it may require multiple treatments to see improvement. These treatments, however, do not prevent new telangiectasia from forming.
At Ohio Head and Neck Surgeons, we understand your concerns when seeking cosmetic treatment options. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our quality ENT specialists. For more information on scheduling click here.
To prepare for your first appointment, you can also visit our New Patients page to find important forms you will need at your appointment, including registration and health history.
