Medicadermis | Skin Therapy The Hague Telangiectasias. It sounds like a spell from Harry Potter, but even Hermione can't just magic these little vessels away. Behind this complicated name lies something very recognizable: small, permanently dilated blood vessels that become visible in the skin as fine red or bluish-red lines. You see them on the nose, cheeks, or chin, for example, but also on the legs. In this blog, I explain exactly what you see, how telangiectasias can develop, and when IPL or laser treatment is an option. Briefly summarized: Telangiectasias are individual visible blood vessels. Couperose is a common term for a skin condition with such vessels, especially on the face. Rosacea is a skin condition that can also cause visible vessels. A proper assessment determines whether vascular treatment is appropriate. Do you see fine red lines on your cheeks or around your nose? During an initial consultation, I examine the skin condition and we discuss the appropriate next step. Telangiectasias are small, permanently dilated superficial blood vessels. They can appear as separate fine red lines, bluish-red vessels, or a branched network. Sometimes they appear to form a larger red area together. The term 'burst capillaries' is often used, but usually it refers to dilation and not an actual ruptured blood vessel. On the face, they are often noticeable around the nostrils, on the cheeks, and on the chin. Superficial red or bluish veins can also occur on the legs. Not every visible vein is the same: the location, color, shape, and any accompanying symptoms help determine which assessment is required. There is not always a single identifiable cause. Hereditary predisposition, prolonged sun exposure, skin aging, and certain skin conditions can contribute. Telangiectasias, for example, occur in rosacea and in sun-damaged skin. Prolonged use of strong corticosteroids on the skin can also play a role. Heat, cold, and exertion can temporarily make existing capillaries more visible. This does not mean that every temperature change causes new, permanently dilated capillaries. Telangiectasias describe the blood vessel itself. Couperose is a loosely defined, commonly used name for visible fine blood vessels and redness, especially on the nose and cheeks. Rosacea is a skin condition in which, in addition to blood vessels, persistent redness, flushing, a burning sensation, and sometimes inflammatory nodules may occur. Read my blog for a broader view of the skin. Rosacea: what is it and how does it develop? or view Treating rosacea in The Hague. A spider nevus often has a central red dot with radial branching. A cherry angioma is more of a red or purple nodule. On the legs, small superficial vessels can be associated with an underlying venous condition. These differences are important: not every vascular abnormality requires the same treatment. When to see the GP? Have a new, rapidly changing, spontaneously bleeding, or unexplained spot medically assessed first before considering cosmetic vascular treatment. Are you unsure whether it is couperose, rosacea, or individual capillaries? I will examine your skin characteristics and discuss whether treatment or a medical assessment first would be beneficial. Permanently dilated capillaries usually do not disappear with skincare alone. Their visibility can vary, however, for example due to heat or exertion. Sun protection and gentle care can help limit additional redness and skin irritation, but do not erase existing capillaries. At Medikadermis I work with the Lumenis M22. For suitable vessels, IPL or a vascular laser may be considered. The light is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood and converted into heat, which can damage the treated vessel and subsequently cause it to gradually become less visible. The choice depends on the color, diameter, depth, and location of the blood vessel, your skin type, and the condition of your skin. In the case of rosacea, it is important to also take inflammatory activity and skin sensitivity into account. Vascular treatment does not automatically treat all symptoms or causes of rosacea. In the case of small veins on the legs, both fine red veins and somewhat deeper-lying bluish veins can occur. Depending on the color, diameter, and depth, IPL, long-pulsed Nd:YAG, or a combination may be suitable. Read more about the treatment of leg veins and spider veins with IPL and Nd:YAG. In the event of symptoms such as swelling or a heavy feeling, I first assess whether further investigation into the venous circulation is necessary. I assess whether it involves isolated capillaries or a more extensive picture of redness, how sensitive the skin is, and whether there are indications of rosacea or another condition. Skin type, sun exposure, medication, previous treatments, and any contraindications are also discussed. Sometimes a medical assessment or restoring the skin barrier is necessary first. The response varies per blood vessel and per person. Sometimes a limited number of sessions is sufficient; for more extensive visible blood vessels, multiple treatments may be necessary. Temporary redness, warmth, swelling, or crusting may occur after IPL or laser treatment. With certain skin types, there is also a risk of pigment changes. Therefore, you will receive personalized advice on aftercare and sun protection. Protect your skin daily from UV radiation, opt for mild cleansing, and avoid products that noticeably irritate your skin. If you have rosacea or reactive skin, it can be helpful to recognize your personal triggers. These measures support the skin but do not replace targeted treatment of existing blood vessels. Telangiectasias are visible, dilated blood vessels that are usually harmless. Differentiating them from couperose, rosacea, and other vascular abnormalities helps make realistic treatment choices.At Medikadermis, I therefore first look at the skin condition and only then at the potential use of IPL or laser. Do you want to know if your visible veins are treatable? We discuss the possibilities and take your skin type and condition into account. Colloquially speaking, yes, but usually it concerns permanently dilated small blood vessels and not a literally ruptured vessel. No. Couperose typically describes visible blood vessels and redness; rosacea is a skin condition that can also present with other symptoms. Skincare can support the skin barrier and limit irritation, but permanently dilated capillaries typically do not disappear with a cream. No. Suitability depends on, among other things, skin type, pigmentation, sun exposure, skin condition, and the type of blood vessel. An individual assessment is necessary. In the event of a new, rapidly changing, unexplained bleeding, or otherwise abnormal spot, a medical assessment is advisable before undergoing a cosmetic treatment. The original blog refers to clinical literature on telangiectasias, rosacea, and IPL. Because the original references have not been fully verified, they are not presented as a definitive bibliography. General background: DermNet – Telangiectasia and PubMed – clinical literature on IPL and telangiectasias. Redness and vascular treatment in The Hague → Rosacea: causes and treatment → Rosacea: symptoms and treatment options → IPL and vascular laser treatment for redness and capillaries →What do those visible blood vessels mean for your skin?
What are telangiectasias?
Where do visible blood vessels occur?
How do telangiectasias develop?
What is the difference between couperose and rosacea?
Not every red vessel is a telangiectasia
What does this vascular pattern mean for your skin?
Can telangiectasias disappear on their own?
How does an IPL or laser treatment work?
What happens during the intake?
How many treatments are needed and what is the aftercare?
What can you do yourself?
Conclusion: visible veins require a targeted assessment
Personal advice on redness and blood vessels
Frequently asked questions about telangiectasias
Are telangiectasias the same as burst blood vessels?
Is couperose the same as rosacea?
Can creams remove visible blood vessels?
Is IPL suitable for every skin type?
When should I see the doctor about a red vein?
Literature and scientific sources used
Read more about redness
About the author