Broken Capillaries

Understanding Broken Capillaries

Broken capillaries, also called spider veins or telangiectasia, appear as fine red or purple lines under the skin, mainly on the face, cheeks, or nose. These occur when small blood vessels dilate and become permanently visible due to weakened walls. They pose no health risk but can affect appearance and confidence.

Common Causes

Factors like genetics make some prone to fragile vessels, while excessive sun exposure damages skin and dilates capillaries. Rosacea, aging, alcohol, spicy foods, and skin trauma (e.g., harsh scrubs) also contribute by inflaming or thinning skin.

Prevention Tips

Protect skin with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen to block UV damage, a top trigger. Use lukewarm water for washing, skip hot showers, and limit alcohol or irritants like caffeine. Gentle skincare avoids trauma.

Treatment Options

Laser therapy targets vessels with heat, causing them to fade over weeks; multiple sessions may be needed. IPL (intense pulsed light) and topical vitamin K or retinol creams reduce visibility by strengthening skin. Consult a dermatologist for personalized care.