Telangiectasia
Pronunciation: tel-an-jee-ek-TAY-zhuh
Small, dilated blood vessels visible near the skin surface, commonly treated in cosmetic dermatology with laser therapy or sclerotherapy.
Full Definition
Telangiectasia (plural: telangiectasias or telangiectases) refers to the permanent dilation of small superficial blood vessels—capillaries, arterioles, or venules—producing visible red, purple, or blue thread-like patterns on the skin or mucous membranes. In cosmetic dermatology, they are most commonly found on the face (particularly the nose and cheeks) and legs, and may be associated with rosacea, photoageing, or systemic conditions. Treatment options include laser therapy (e.g., pulsed dye laser, Nd:YAG), intense pulsed light (IPL), and sclerotherapy. Editors should note the spelling: 'telangiectasia' (not 'teleangectasia' or 'telangectasia'). The commonly used colloquial term is 'spider veins' or 'thread veins' in patient-facing copy.
Usage
Usage note: Spell carefully: 'telangiectasia'. In patient-facing copy, 'thread veins' or 'spider veins' are acceptable lay equivalents. Do not confuse with 'varicose veins', which are larger and deeper.
In Context
- "Facial telangiectasia secondary to chronic sun exposure was successfully treated with a pulsed dye laser." — Clinical case report
- "Patient information copy referred to telangiectasias as 'broken veins'; the editor standardized this to 'thread veins' per approved lay terminology guidelines." — Patient-facing document review