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Skin Telangiectasia (Dilated Capillaries)

Visible small dilated blood vessels in the skin caused by genetic, vascular, hormonal or environmental factors.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Skin Telangiectasia (Dilated Capillaries)?

Skin telangiectasias are permanently dilated small blood vessels (typically 0.1-1 mm) visible at the skin surface as red, purple or blue thread-like or web-like lines.

They form when capillary or venule walls weaken and dilate due to chronic vasodilatation, sun damage, hormonal influence, mechanical pressure, corticosteroid exposure, hepatic disease, scleroderma, or hereditary disorders such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT, Osler-Weber-Rendu).

Although usually a cosmetic concern, telangiectasias can signal underlying vascular, hepatic, autoimmune or genetic disease, especially when widespread, on mucosa, or with epistaxis.

Symptoms

Fine red, purple or blue thread-like skin lines
Web or branching pattern on cheeks, nose, chin
Spider angiomas with central feeding vessel
Distended capillaries on legs (linear, arborizing)
Bright red oral or nasal mucosal spots (HHT)
Easy facial flushing in rosacea
Skin atrophy with prominent vessels (steroid-induced)

Risk Factors

Chronic sun exposure and photodamage
Rosacea (vascular subtype)
Pregnancy and oral contraceptive use
Topical or systemic corticosteroids
Chronic liver disease, alcohol
Scleroderma and CREST syndrome
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Recurrent epistaxis with mucosal telangiectasias (HHT)
  • Sudden multiple telangiectasias
  • Telangiectasias with skin tightness or Raynaud (scleroderma)
  • Cosmetic concerns affecting quality of life
  • Bleeding from cutaneous lesions
  • Family history of HHT
  • Liver-related symptoms with spider angiomas

Treatment Methods

01
Pulsed-dye laser (PDL) for facial telangiectasias
02
Nd:YAG laser for deeper vessels
03
Intense pulsed light (IPL) for diffuse erythema
04
Sclerotherapy for leg telangiectasias
05
Treatment of underlying disease (rosacea, liver disease, scleroderma)
06
Sun protection and broad-spectrum sunscreen
07
Genetic counseling and screening for HHT

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.