Broken capillaries are usually observed around the cheeks and nose. They may occur due to several reasons. This article discusses what are broken capillaries, how are they caused, and how they can be treated.
There are a large number of tiny, delicate capillaries that lie under the surface of the skin. When they are subjected to pressure from some external or internal source, then they break and blood leaks out of them. As a result, red thread-like spots appear on the skin that look quite similar to bruises. Due to their web-like pattern, they are also known as spider veins. They may appear in any part of the body; however, they are more commonly found in those areas that have thin skin like the face and the legs.
Causes
Following are the causes that may lead to this condition:
- Genetics: Weak blood vessels could be hereditary in nature. A child may inherit it from the parents, but the problem may get noticed only when he or she grows older.
- Obesity: As you put on a lot of weight, the vein valves may break since they cannot withstand the additional amount of weight. This is one of the main causes of broken capillaries on the legs.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, there is an increase in the amount of blood flow through the body. This results in enlargement of veins, and thereby the capillaries get ruptured.
- Hormonal Changes: The hormonal changes that take place during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause may also lead to broken capillaries.
- Skin Damage: The facial skin is extremely sensitive, and it tends to get damaged very easily by environmental factors such as hot and dry winds, changes in temperature, exposure to sun, etc. Therefore, this skin condition is commonly observed on the face.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive drinking may increase the blood pressure, thereby causing dilation of the veins. Subsequently, this may lead to injured capillaries.
- Aging: The veins becomes weak while the facial skin becomes thin with age. This lead to the appearance of spider veins on the face.
- Face Scrubbing: Excessive scrubbing of the facial skin may also damage the underlying capillaries.
- Rosacea: This skin disorder may cause the face to appear reddish due to the broken capillaries.
How to Get Rid of Broken Capillaries
People seek treatment for this condition mainly because of cosmetic reasons. Following are a few methods of treatment:
Laser Treatment
In this treatment, different types of lasers are used to stop the leakage of blood from the capillaries. It is also used to shrink the blood vessels so that the rupture of capillaries can be prevented in future. Usually, it requires just one session which lasts for about 15-20 minutes. In severe cases, more number of sittings may be required. Before undergoing such a treatment, you must have an open discussion with your dermatologist about what you can expect from the treatment.
Medicinal Treatment
Those who are not interested in laser treatment may opt for the treatment involving the use of medicines. There are both oral medicines as well as medicinal creams available that can be used to shrink the broken blood vessels. Talk to your dermatologist about this form of treatment. He/she may perform a thorough physical examination of the affected area to determine whether oral medicines or topical creams are more suitable for your condition. This treatment may start showing results within 10 days. However, do not try to use any over the counter medicines without consulting your doctor.
Home Treatment
When the broken capillaries do not look much prominent, then they can be treated at home only. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and vitamin K like citrus fruits, spinach, cauliflower, sprouts, etc. To increase the intake of vitamin C, you may take a vitamin C supplement daily. Application of vitamin K cream on the affected spot twice a day may be highly beneficial. Alternatively, wash your face with ice-cold mineral water to reduce the appearance of the ruputered blood vessels on the nose and chin.
Not all, but a few triggers may be prevented. For this, you have to keep the skin healthy and hydrated with proper skincare regime. Protect your facial skin from sunburn, extreme hot or cold temperatures, and dry winds. Excessive scrubbing of skin or use of hot water for bath should be avoided to prevent injuries to the skin. In general, this condition is not very serious, and there is no health risk associated with it.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
