Lifespan's A - Z Health Information Library

Telangiectasias are small blood vessels on the skin. They are usually meaningless, but may be associated with several diseases.

Telangiectasias may develop anywhere within the body but can be easily seen in the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes. Usually, they do not cause symptoms. However, some telangiectasias bleed and cause significant problems. Telangiectasias may also occur in the brain and cause major problems from bleeding.

Causes may include:

• Alcohol use
• Aging
• Sun exposure

Diseases associated with this condition include:

• Ataxia - telangiectasia
• Bloom syndrome
• Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita
• Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome)
• Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome
• Nevus flammeus such as port-wine stain
• Spider angioma
• Sturge-Weber disease
• Xeroderma pigmentosa

Call your health care provider if you notice enlarged vessels in the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes.

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms, including:

• Where are the blood vessels located?
• Do they bleed easily and without reason?
• What other symptoms are present?

Tests may be needed to diagnose or rule out a medical condition. Such tests may include:

• Blood tests
• CT scans
• Liver function studies
• MRI scans
• X-rays