Spider Telangiectasia
Spider telangiectasia, also known as spider veins, is a superficial dilation of blood vessels commonly found on the skin, characterised by small, red, or blue web-like patterns typically seen on the face, neck, or legs. It is due to a failure of the tiny vessel muscles restricting the size of an arteriole, causing an increased pulsating flow through the vessel (the central spot) and dilation of distal vessels (the red lines). This condition doesn’t cause discomfort but may signal an underlying health issue. This may be linked to congential conditions like Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia, increased estrogen levels in pregnancy and rosacea.
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Acquired vascular malformation [1]
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Hepatitis C [2]
Systemic sclerosis (CRST syndrome)
Necrobiosis lipoidica [1]
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Basal cell carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma
Kaposi sarcoma [1]
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Combined oral contraceptives
Topical steroids
Calcium channel blockers [1]
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Medical procedures/surgeries that cause trauma to the skin
Radiation damage [1]
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Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Ataxia-Telangiectasia
Bloom syndrome [1]
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Rosacea
Systemic lupus erythematosus [1]
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Alcohol induced chronic liver disease [3]
Sun damage [1]
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Increased oestrogen due to pregnancy [1]
Source: DermNetNZ.org [1]
Spider telangiectasis
Dilated veins spread in a spider-like pattern located on the cheek
Source: DermNetNZ.org [1]
Spider telangiectasis
Telangiectases in patient with liver cirrhosis
Source: Primary Care Dermatology Society [4]
Spider telangiectasis
Spider naevi secondary to alcohol-related liver damage
