Other terms
- Thrombosis
- Thrush
- TIL Therapy
- Tinea Infections (Ringworm)
- Transcriptomics
- Traveler’s Diarrhea
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Unmasking/Unblinding
- Urodynamics
- Uvea
- Uveitis
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Telangiectasia
What are Telangiectasias? Telangiectasias are permanently dilated small blood vessels that can appear on the skin and mucous membranes. These vessels become visible as thin reddish, blue, or purple lines. They may also appear in the form of localized reddening. They are commonly referred to as “spider veins.” Telangiectasias are benign and often appear in the aging skin, but they may be a symptom of more serious conditions. The pathomechanism by which telangiectasias form is not entirely understood and may vary depending on the inciting condition. What we know is that the vessels’ structure is damaged, preventing them from functioning normally.
Which conditions are associated with Telangiectasias?
Telangiectasias can result from:
- External factors, including frequent use of alcohol, exposure extremes in temperature, UV exposure, and regular use of corticosteroids.
- Congenital disorders, such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasias, xeroderma pigmentosa, and Sturge-Weber disease.
- Primary cutaneous disorders, including rosacea, essential hypertension, basal cell carcinoma, and essential telangiectasia.
- Systemic conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, and liver disease.
Source: Kern, P. (2018). Pathophysiology of telangiectasias of the lower legs and its therapeutic implication: A systematic review. Phlebology: The Journal of Venous Disease, 33(4), 225–233. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268355518756480
