A broken capillary, also known as spider veins or telangiectasia, is a small reddish purple lesion that appears on the skin surface. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. When a capillary breaks, blood leaks out and causes discoloration of the skin.
What causes broken capillaries?
There are a few common causes of broken capillaries:
- Sun damage – Exposure to UV rays from the sun can damage the walls of capillaries over time, causing them to become fragile and break.
- Age – As we get older, our skin becomes thinner and the walls of capillaries weaken, making them more prone to breaking.
- Genetics – Some people are just genetically predisposed to developing broken capillaries.
- Skin irritation – Things like harsh scrubs, squeezing pimples, cold weather, and allergies can irritate the skin and cause capillaries to burst.
- Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy often lead to dilated capillaries that can rupture.
What do broken capillaries look like?
Here are the main characteristics of broken capillaries:
- Small red, purple, or brownish lesions on the skin
- Zig-zag, starburst, or spiderweb-like shape
- Usually 1-10mm in size
- Flat against the surface of the skin
- Often clustered together in patches
- Common locations include the cheeks, nose, chin, décolletage, and legs
Broken capillaries vs. cherry angiomas
Cherry angiomas are benign skin growths made up of blood vessels that can look similar to broken capillaries. Here’s how to tell them apart:
| Broken Capillaries | Cherry Angiomas |
|---|---|
| Flat lesion | Slightly raised bump |
| Red, purple, brown color | Bright cherry red |
| Zig-zag shape | Circular dot |
| Up to 10mm size | 2-5mm size |
| Appears in patches | Usually single bumps |
Are broken capillaries dangerous?
Broken capillaries are harmless aside from cosmetic concerns. They do not bleed or cause any medical issues. However, extensive broken capillaries can be a symptom of more serious underlying conditions like rosacea, lupus, or connective tissue disorder. See your dermatologist if you have widespread broken capillaries to rule out other problems.
How to prevent broken capillaries
You can reduce your risk of developing broken capillaries by:
- Wearing sunscreen daily
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure
- Treating any skin conditions like rosacea or eczema
- Being gentle when cleansing and applying products
- Moisturizing to improve skin elasticity
- Avoiding extreme temperature changes
- Preventing broken blood vessels during pregnancy
Wear sunscreen
UV radiation damages the collagen in skin that keeps capillaries strong. Apply a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to exposed skin whenever you go outside.
Moisturize regularly
Dry skin is more prone to capillary damage. Use a rich moisturizer daily to hydrate skin and improve elasticity.
Avoid skin irritants
Harsh ingredients, like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, hydroxy acids, scrubs, and astringents can irritate skin and break capillaries. Read product labels and do patch tests before using.
Treat rosacea
Rosacea causes dilated blood vessels. Follow your dermatologist’s treatment plan to prevent vessels from rupturing.
Handle skin gently
Rubbing, picking, squeezing blemishes, and over-exfoliating can traumatize capillaries. Be gentle with your skin and don’t puncture pimples.
Protect skin in winter
Frigid temperatures and dry air can cause skin to chap. Keep skin covered and use gentle skincare products during winter.
How to get rid of broken capillaries
While you can’t make broken capillaries completely disappear, you can reduce their appearance. Here are some treatment options:
Laser treatments
Laser therapy uses pulses of intense light to destroy capillaries while leaving surrounding skin intact. It requires several sessions but results can be dramatic.
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
IPL uses broad spectrum light at varying wavelengths to target hemoglobin in blood vessels and shrink capillaries.
Electrodessication
A small probe destroys capillaries using a high-frequency electrical current. Minimal radiation is used so there’s no damage to surrounding skin.
Sclerotherapy
A solution is injected directly into broken capillaries, causing them to shrink. Multiple treatments are required every 4-6 weeks.
Topical treatments
Some creams contain ingredients like vitamin K, retinol, and niacinamide to strengthen capillaries over several weeks of use.
Cover up
Cosmetic products like concealers and mineral makeup can temporarily minimize the appearance of broken capillaries.
When to see a doctor
Consult a dermatologist if you have extensive broken capillaries or they cover a large area of your face. A doctor can assess if an underlying condition is the cause and discuss treatment options to remove them.
Conclusion
Broken capillaries are common, harmless skin lesions that look like red, purple, or brown squiggly lines. While mostly a cosmetic nuisance, they can indicate more serious problems if widespread. Protect your skin from sun damage, irritation, and fragility to help prevent broken capillaries. Professional treatments like lasers offer the best results for removing them.