Telangiectasia is small, dilated blood vessels; they are most often idiopathic.
Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD.
Although telangiectasias are usually asymptomatic, many people consider even the smallest telangiectasias cosmetically unacceptable.
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Telangiectasias are usually asymptomatic. However, some patients report a burning sensation or pain, and many people consider even the smallest telangiectasias cosmetically unacceptable. Diagnosis is clinical.
Treatment of Idiopathic Telangiectasias
Sclerotherapy
Laser treatment
Telangiectasias can usually be eliminated by sclerotherapy, intracapillary injections of 0.3% solution of sodium tetradecyl sulfate through a fine-bore needle. Hypertonic saline 23.4% is sometimes used but causes fairly severe, temporary, localized pain; therefore, large areas of spider veins (multiple telangiectasias) may require several treatments. Pigmentation may develop but usually subsides, often completely. Skin ulceration may result if the injection is extravascular or too large.
Laser treatment is effective, but large areas require several treatments. Small telangiectasias may persist or recur after initial treatment.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
sodium tetradecyl sulfate |
Sotradecol |
