What is a Telangiectasia and Should I Be Worried?
Telangiectasias are small, broken, or widened blood vessels found near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. They typically appear as fine pink or red lines and will whiten when under pressure. Once the telangiectasia appears on the skin, the tiny lines can range in color from red through blue and purple. Telangiectasias typically measure between 1 and 3 millimeters in width. They are usually harmless but can cause itching and be painful because of pressure on the small veins. Telangiectasias commonly occur on the face, nose, chin, and cheek. Facial redness caused by telangiectasias on the face are due to broken blood vessels or spider veins in the face. Telangiectasias are also found on the legs, chest, back, arms, and legs. Those that appear on the legs are referred to as spider veins. A spider telangiectasia is a telangiectasia with a red, central feeding vessel and outward branches. Telangiectasias tend to be more of an image concern than a health issue. However, th...