Telangiectasia is a skin condition that is relatively common but not usually talked about much. You may have heard telangiectasia on the legs referred to as spider veins, but their technical term is not used as often. However, telangiectasia is a condition that can occur on other areas of the body in addition to the legs. For many, the condition is benign and of little medical concern. However, those visible networks can also indicate an underlying condition is present, making evaluation a prudent choice whenever telangiectasia appear.
Causes of Telangiectasia
There are a number of different reasons why telangiectasia might occur:
- Heredity
- Sun damage
- Skin conditions like rosacea or scleroderma
- Exposure to extreme heat or cold
- Corticosteroid use
- Aging – usually occur in people over 50
- Pregnancy – due to hormonal fluctuations
Telangiectasia can also be a visible sign of an underlying medical condition. For this reason, it is a good idea to have your telangiectasia checked out by a physician experienced in this condition to ensure there is not a medical issue that requires attention.
Spider Veins
When telangiectasia appear on the legs, they can also be caused by the same vein disorder that leads to the formation of varicose veins. Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition that occurs when valves inside the veins stop working properly, allowing blood to reflux back into the vessel. This leads to swelling of the vessel so that it becomes visible on the skin’s surface. When telangiectasia is caused by this disorder, they may be accompanied by pain, swelling and leg fatigue at the end of the day.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of telangiectasia is the appearance of the visible networks on the skin’s surface. These lines can be red, blue or purple and form patterns on the skin that can become rather large in some cases. While some people may experience itching or skin irritation around the telangiectasia, the cosmetic concern is often the primary reason for seeking treatment for this condition.
Treatment Options
The good news is there are quick, effective treatments for eliminating telangiectasia today. The first course of action is often to treat the condition that is causing the appearance of the veins.
In many cases, telangiectasia can be treated directed using an injectable procedure known as sclerotherapy. This procedure delivers a solution directly into the visible veins by injection, which seals the vessel closed so it can be reabsorbed by the body. The vein disappears from view and blood reroutes to healthy veins nearby. There are different medications that can be used for sclerotherapy, making it easy for an experienced vein specialist to tailor the procedure to the unique needs of each patient.
Choosing the Right Doctor
When choosing a doctor to treat your telangiectasia, it is important to select an experienced vein specialist who has the technology and expertise to accurately diagnose your condition and provide you with the best possible treatment options. At Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, we diagnose and treat vein disorders all day, every day, giving us ample experience in recognizing and addressing these conditions. To learn more about our services, contact Vein Specialists of the Carolinas at 704-861-2072 or 704-544-5245.