Pulsed dye laser treatment of spider telangiectasia

Spider telangiectasia is a common benign vascular malformation which can be a source of cosmetic concern for the patient. A retrospective review of 30 adults and children with spider telangiectasia treated by the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser was undertaken. There was complete clearance of treated spider telangiectasia in 93% of patients after a single treatment. There were no reported permanent adverse effects with purpura being the only transient problem. Most patients were satisfied with the eventual results of treatment and would recommend treatment to other people with a similar problem. This laser should be considered as the treatment of choice for spider telangiectasia.