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 co-contributor.
Discussion: Palmar telangiectasias were found to constitute highly specific and sensitive markers for prolonged smoking.
Keywords: Skin sign; Smoking; Telangiectasias.
© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.