Telangiectasia in Scleroderma
Telangiectasias are abnormal blood vessels that usually appear as red dots on the skin or may look like varicose veins, with a spider-web form. Patients with scleroderma may develop telangiectasias on the arms, hands, fingers, the face, chest, and in the mouth. Other locations might be over joints, and around the toenails or fingernails. Telangiectasias will fade or turn white when the skin is pressed and are not painful or dangerous.
The telangiectasia condition occurs with both limited and diffuse scleroderma. Telangiectasias in scleroderma become more numerous over time in both types of the disease, however, evidence suggests they occur more frequently in patients with limited scleroderma (CREST).
Treatments for Telangiectasia in Scleroderma
A pulsed dye laser can reduce the appearance of telangiectasias. It targets only the blood vessel and not the surrounding skin. A dermatologist might perform this treatment.
