Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia

Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia (UNT) is a rare dermatological condition characterized by the presence of telangiectasia on one side of the body. It was first described by William James Blaschko in 1899.

Overview

Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia is a benign skin condition that typically presents as a unilateral distribution of linear or patchy telangiectasias. The condition can be congenital or acquired, with the acquired form often associated with hormonal changes or systemic diseases such as liver cirrhosis or pregnancy.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of UNT is the appearance of red, dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias) on the skin. These can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the neck, chest, and arms. The telangiectasias are usually asymptomatic, but some patients may experience mild itching or burning.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of UNT is primarily based on clinical examination. A dermatoscope may be used to visualize the telangiectasias more clearly. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for UNT, but treatments are available to manage the symptoms. These may include laser therapy, topical creams, or oral medications. In some cases, the telangiectasias may fade on their own over time.

Epidemiology

UNT is a rare condition, with fewer than 100 cases reported in the medical literature. It affects both men and women, but is more common in women, possibly due to hormonal influences.

See Also

• Telangiectasia
• Dermatology
• William James Blaschko