Telangiectasia is a condition that causes the blood vessels found in the outer section of skin to dilate. It predominantly occurs on the face, but it can also occur on the legs. Incidences of telangiectasia that occurs on the legs are sometimes referred to as spider veins. Many sufferers do not experience pain or discomfort, but the protruding veins are not a look they desire.
Important facts to know about telangiectasia
Generally, telangiectasia is harmless and can occur in people who are healthy. It is often the result of long-term sun exposure or natural aging. They do commonly occur in conjunction with other conditions such as port-wine staining and rosacea. Telangiectasia can also be the result of an acquired condition such as Cushing’s syndrome or Carcinoid syndrome. Some types of medications may also trigger the appearance of these veins, including prolonged use of topical corticosteroids.
How our Orange County dermatologists treat telangiectasia
Common treatments for telangiectasia include laser procedures and sclerotherapy. There is a difference between these two treatments. Sclerotherapy is the main treatment used in instances of telangiectasia on the legs. It involves injecting a medication into the dilated veins, making them harden and shrink over time. Laser procedures are commonly chosen for incidences occurring on the face, mainly because of the pain experienced with the injections. The laser procedures use light beams targeted on the damaged veins to seal them, leading to their dissolution. A dermatologist will determine which treatment is ideal, but many dermatologists are beginning to rely on the laser procedures more than the sclerotherapy because the laser procedures are less invasive.
Call either of our two dermatology locations in Orange County to set up a consultation with a dermatologist and determine which procedure is best for you.