Cutaneous Telangiectases on Lips and Extremities

void telangiectasia, generalized essential telangiectasia, angioma serpiginosum, and others [3][4][5]. Secondary telangiectasias are associated with a whole range of medical conditions such as actinic damage [6] Telangiectasias associated with specific anatomical locations are rare and include palmar telangiectasias [25]. Although the latter may be confused with palmar erythema, they represent different entities. Interestingly, whereas smoking has been associated with palmar erythema [26,27] and other skin conditions such as accelerated skin aging [28], delayed wound healing [29], and psoriasis [30], no such association with palmar telangiectasias has been demonstrated.The aim of the current study is to determine whether smoking is associated with palmar telangiectasias and to further characterize this association. Keywords Telangiectasias · Smoking · Skin signAbstract Background: Telangiectasias are permanent dilations of blood capillaries which appear in a variety of medical conditions. Cutaneous palmar telangiectasias have been postulated to be associated with smoking. Objective: To determine whether a significant correlation exists between palmar telangiectasias and smoking habits. Patients and Methods: A total of 124 volunteers participated in this observational study by allowing physical evaluation of their palms and by completing a questionnaire. Results: Palmar telangiectasias were found to be associated with current or past smoking. Neither age nor gender was found to be a cocontributor. Discussion: Palmar telangiectasias were found to constitute highly specific and sensitive markers for prolonged smoking.

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“…Telangiectasias are permanent dilations of blood capillaries [1]. They might appear in various body organs and tissues [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%