Cutaneous lesions in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: successful treatment with the tunable dye laser

BACKGROUND : Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant condition that has cutaneous telangiectasia as a component of its manifestations. It has been found that the tunable dye laser is effective in the clearance of these lesions. METHODS : Twelve patients with HHT between 1991 and 1999 were treated with the tunable dye laser. Treatment was carried out at 3-month intervals. RESULTS : Of the 12 patients treated with the tunable dye laser, 10 were evaluated after treatment. In all cases, the cutaneous component had resolved. CONCLUSION : The diagnosis of HHT should be considered in all cases of telangiectatic skin lesions. The tunable dye laser appears to be an effective means of resolving any cosmetic problems.