Generalized essential telangiectasia

What is it generalized essential telangiectasia?

Telangiectasia is the term used to describe permanent dilation of small blood vessels, creating small red marks on the skin and mucous membranes

Essential or primary telangiectasia refers to capillary dilation of unknown origin. There is no previous or coexisting skin or internal disease. Generalized essential telangiectasia is only one type of primary telangiectasia and is given this name due to its extended distribution pattern on the body.

What is the cause of generalized essential telangiectasia?

The cause of generalized essential telangiectasia remains unclear. Sometimes there may be a family history, suggesting a genetic component.

• Not associated with varicose or other veins venous disorders
• Environmental factors like sun exposure may possibly play a role in your development.

Who gets generalized essential telangiectasia?

Generalized essential telangiectasia usually appears for the first time around the age of 40-50 years and affects women more often than men.

What are the signs and symptoms of essential telangiectasia?

Generalized essential telangiectasia is characterized by the following characteristics:

• Red or pink dilated capillary blood vessels, usually less than 0.2 mm in diameter in a lace or branch-like pattern
• It is most often found on the feet, ankles, and legs, but can appear on the trunk and upper parts of the body, such as the hands and arms.
• When pressure is put on the affected sites, pallor occurs temporarily before blood fills the space again
• Telangiectasias can join to form a diffuse Red patch
• Generally without symptoms, but tingling or numbness may occur.

Telangiectasias can develop slowly or quickly. They usually spread gradually to other parts of the body. They persist indefinitely and do not resolve spontaneously.

In addition to the emotional distress that telangiectasias can cause, generalized essential telangiectasia is a benign condition that is not associated with any physical complications.

Which is the differential diagnosis of generalized essential telangiectasia?

Other types of telangiectasia described on DermNet include:

• Angioma serpiginous vascular nevus)

• Ataxia-telangiectasia (a genetics syndrome)

• Spider telangiectasia (a common vascular injury)

What treatments are available for generalized essential telangiectasia?

It is very difficult to eliminate telangiectasias from generalized essential telangiectasia. Self-aware patients can use cosmetics to cover themselves or self-tanning lotions to hide telangiectasias.

They generally do not respond to sclerotherapy. Recently, several vascular lasers (dual frequency Nd-YAG, copper bromide, and pulsed dye lasers) have shown promise in the treatment of generalized essential telangiectasia.