Telangiectasia is also known as spider veins. It’s a skin condition that appears as stringy, dark or red lines under the surface of the skin. It can also appear on the mucous membranes. The blood vessels in the body become inflamed and show through the skin. There are several things that can cause this condition, including autoimmune disorders. The appearance of spider veins can often help doctors make a proper diagnosis or be a reason for them to test for a specific disease.
Spider veins may cause pain, but they are often a cosmetic problem. It’s the underlying cause of the spider veins that require treatment. In some cases, when the underlying cause is successfully treated, the spider veins will go away, or the condition will improve.
In other cases, the spider veins are permanent and will remain on the surface of the skin for months after the underlying cause is treated or permanently.
1. Scleroderma
People who suffer from Scleroderma often develop telangiectasia in their face, hands, and even the mucous membranes. The condition is common with both type of Scleroderma, but it is more common in Limited Scleroderma. Over time, the telangiectasia becomes worse with both types.
Medical researchers believe that the spider veins occur when the body attempts to restore blood flow to the areas of the body that are suffering from poor circulation. The condition can also be a sign that there are other vascular problems or health problems present.
Spider veins can also mean an increased risk of pulmonary artery hypertension. Doctors may monitor scleroderma patients who develop spider veins for other health problems.
They may also look at the number of spider veins that are present on the body and use them to determine how long a person has been suffering from Scleroderma or the severity and progression of the condition.