Generalized essential telangiectasia
Generalized Essential Telangiectasia
Generalized essential telangiectasia (pronunciation: jen-er-uh-lahyzd ih-sen-shuhl tel-an-jee-ek-tay-zhuh) is a rare skin condition characterized by the widespread presence of small, dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias) on the skin. The etymology of the term comes from the Greek words "telos" meaning end, "angeion" meaning vessel, and "ektasis" meaning dilation, referring to the end dilation of small blood vessels.
Definition
Generalized essential telangiectasia is a condition where telangiectasias (small dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes) appear all over the body without any apparent cause. The condition is considered "essential" because it is not associated with other diseases or conditions.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of generalized essential telangiectasia is the presence of small, red or purple blood vessels visible on the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the legs. The telangiectasias do not cause any physical discomfort, but they can be a cosmetic concern for some individuals.
Causes
The exact cause of generalized essential telangiectasia is unknown. It is not associated with any other diseases or conditions, and it does not appear to be inherited. Some researchers believe that it may be related to changes in the blood vessels that occur with age.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for generalized essential telangiectasia. Treatment is typically focused on managing the appearance of the telangiectasias. This can include laser therapy or sclerotherapy, both of which can help to reduce the appearance of the blood vessels.
Related Terms
- Telangiectasia: A condition characterized by dilation of the capillaries, which causes them to appear as small red or purple clusters, often spidery in appearance, on the skin or the surface of an organ.
- Sclerotherapy: A procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. It involves an injection of a solution directly into the vein.
- Laser therapy: A medical treatment that uses focused light. Unlike most light sources, light from a laser is tuned to specific wavelengths, allowing it to be focused into powerful beams.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Generalized essential telangiectasia
- Wikipedia's article - Generalized essential telangiectasia
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