Telangiectasia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Telangiectasia?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, usually evaluates telangiectasia. For spider veins on the legs, a vascular doctor, who treats blood vessel problems, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is telangiectasia?
Telangiectasias are small, widened blood vessels on the skin. They are usually harmless, but they may be linked to several diseases. They can develop anywhere in the body. They are easiest to see on the skin, mucous membranes (the moist linings inside the body), and the whites of the eyes.
Many people call them spider veins. Spider veins on the legs are very common and become more common with age.
Symptoms
Usually, telangiectasias do not cause symptoms. Some of them bleed and cause significant problems. Telangiectasias can also form in the brain or intestines. When they do, bleeding can cause major problems.
Some people with spider veins on the legs report pain, burning, or itching.
Causes and who gets it
Causes of telangiectasias in the skin include:
- Aging.
- A problem with genes.
- Pregnancy.
- Sun exposure.
- Varicose veins, which are twisted, swollen veins.
- Overuse of steroid creams.
- Trauma, or injury, to the area.
Some diseases are also linked to telangiectasias. These include rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness of the face. Lupus, a disease of the immune system, is another one. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, also called Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is a third.
How doctors diagnose it
A provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. The provider will ask where the blood vessels are. The provider will also ask whether they bleed easily and without reason.
Tests may be needed to diagnose or check for a medical condition. They may include blood tests, CT scans, and MRI scans, which take detailed pictures inside the body. Liver function studies and x-rays may also be used.
Treatment
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for telangiectasias on the legs. In this procedure, a doctor injects a saline (salt) solution or another chemical directly into the spider veins. Laser treatment is typically used to treat telangiectasias of the face.
In a review of studies on treatments for spider veins on the legs, injected chemicals called sclerosing agents worked better than a placebo, which is a treatment with no active medicine. They also caused more side effects. One example is skin darkening, which doctors call hyperpigmentation. The researchers found no evidence that one injected chemical works better than another, or better than laser.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if you notice enlarged vessels in the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes. Tell the provider if they bleed easily and without reason.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, or if you cough up or vomit blood.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can look at the spots, review your history, and refer you to a skin or vein specialist for treatment.
Common questions
Are telangiectasias dangerous?
Usually not, because they are usually harmless. Some, however, bleed and cause significant problems. Telangiectasias in the brain or intestines can cause major problems from bleeding.
What causes telangiectasia?
In the skin, causes include aging, a problem with genes, pregnancy, sun exposure, varicose veins, overuse of steroid creams, and trauma to the area. Some diseases, such as rosacea and lupus, are also linked to them.
How are spider veins on the legs treated?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for telangiectasias on the legs. A doctor injects a saline (salt) solution or another chemical directly into the spider veins.
How are telangiectasias on the face treated?
Laser treatment is typically used to treat telangiectasias of the face.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Telangiectasia
- National Library of Medicine (PubMed) - Treatment for telangiectasias and reticular veins
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
