Port Wine Stain
Made up of dilated capillaries that cause purple or reddish patches that typically appear on the face, but can be present on other areas of the body. These patches appear at birth and grow proportionately with age. It is common for these patches to darken over time, starting off as a flat pink patch that becomes purple or dark red.
The lesion can also occasionally develop small nodules or become thicker as the person enters adulthood. If left untreated, these lesions can sometimes lead to other health issues in the future, such as loss of function, deformity, disfigurement, and bleeding. With pulse dye laser surgery, we can safely treat port wine stains by carefully destroying the cutaneous capillaries.
Infantile Hemangioma
Fairly common, developing in approximately 10-12% of caucasian infants, and less in other races and ethnicities. Infantile hemangiomas usually start with a temporary whitening of the skin in the affected area, often followed by small spider veins, and a small red spot in the area. These lesions tend to grow quickly during the child’s first year. After the first year, infantile hemangiomas can spontaneously reduce in size.
The lesions will often completely disappear by the time the child is about nine years old, although some children can lose the discolorations before that time. Because these lesions often resolve themselves, treatment is not usually necessary. In some cases an infantile hemangioma can break down and bleed, or occur on vital structures, potentially posing a health risk.
Spider Angioma
Appears just below the surface of the skin. Its appearance is similar to spider veins, but differs in that it has a centralized reddish spot from which red or purple veins emulate. This is due to a dilated arteriole, or blood vessel, allowing blood to flow freely beneath the surface of the skin. The “legs” of the spider angioma are small veins that carry the blood away from the center.
This type of lesion is fairly common, occurring in about 10-15% of healthy adults and children. They might also appear on individuals with high levels of estrogen, including women who are pregnant or taking an oral contraceptive. Spider angiomas are generally harmless, but excessive spider angiomas may be a sign of liver disease.
Cherry Angioma (Campbell De Morgan Spot)
Cherry angiomas appear as small, bright red specks or dots just below the surface of the skin. A cherry angioma is the result of tiny blood vessels that have been dilated and release blood. These spots generally appear spontaneously, and sometimes can disappear on their own, but the amount of cherry angiomas that develop can also increase with age. Although these lesions are benign and not related to cancer, they can be bothersome due to their appearance. We use the Vbeam® Perfecta to treat and remove cherry angiomas.
Telangiectasia (Broken Blood Vessels, Spider Veins)
More commonly referred to as “spider veins,” telangiectasia most often occur in the legs. These appear as a collection of tiny red or purple veins beneath the skin’s surface. Spider veins can also sometimes appear on the face, generally associated with rosacea. Telangiectasia in the legs can be related to varicose veins and heredity, but can also occur after prolonged sitting or due to trauma to the affected area.
Spider veins can also be related to pregnancy. We can treat these lesions with sclerotherapy, or with vascular laser therapy. In some cases, it may be beneficial to combine the two forms of treatment.
Venous Lake
These lesions are most often found in patients over the age of 50. Appearing mostly on the ears, lips, and face, venous lakes are dark blue or purplish lesions. The cause is unknown, but is suspected to be linked to long-term sun exposure. Like most lesions, this condition occurs when blood vessels in the affected area dilate and cause blood to pool. In most cases, these lesions can be treated with the Vbeam Perfecta laser. If our dermatologists are concerned that the lesion may be cancerous, further assessment and treatment may be needed.
Rosacea
Redness that typically affects the nose and cheeks, and can worsen with sun exposure, as well as certain foods and drinks. The flushed appearance and occasional telangiectasia (spider veins) can usually be treated with vascular laser therapy.
Keratosis Pilaris Rubra
Most commonly considered a pediatric condition, keratosis pilaris rubra causes small, raised, slightly red bumps appear over an area of skin. These rough bumps create a chicken skin-like appearance. It can be treated with the Vbeam Perfecta laser.
Learn more about vascular lesions and which treatment may be right for you by scheduling an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists at Sanova Dermatology.
view all