Broken Capillaries

Broken Capillaries: Causes and Symptoms

Capillaries are small blood vessels that branch off from larger vessels with the purpose of carrying the blood supply to every part of the body. Capillaries that are dilated or enlarged are often referred to as broken capillaries or spider veins. The two most common areas for them to show up are the legs and the face. While they are not dangerous, they can have a psychological effect on individuals because of the feeling that they are unsightly.

One of the most common causes of broken capillaries is excess sun exposure that results in damage to the skin. While this can, for the most part, be prevented, there are other causes that are less preventable. One such cause is rosacea acne, a common skin disease.

One of the first things that individuals with rosacea often notice is the tendency to blush more easily than most people. In these cases, redness of the skin usually begins at the nose and cheeks and can spread to the chin and forehead. For some, the skin appears red all the time, and the redness can spread to the ears, back and chest.

Signs and symptoms include visible blood vessels accompanied by redness and flushing of the skin. For some people, swelling and acne-like conditions appear, or the skin can thicken and have a bumpy surface.

People with broken capillaries may experience stinging and burning of the skin. They may also notice that the skin is very sensitive. It can also become dry, with the dryness leading to scaling.

Broken capillaries can sometimes be caused by excess physical activity and the resulting pressure that is put upon these small blood vessels. Pressure can also come from things outside the body. An example is striking the hand against a table or walking into a door frame. Anything that causes forces against the body can be a cause.

People whose jobs require them to stand for extended periods of time are at higher risk for broken capillaries in their legs. These individuals often experience aches and pains or cramping in the legs. They may also experience restlessness, tiredness, burning, tingling and throbbing.

Other causes include hormonal effects during pregnancy, puberty or menopause. Postmenopausal hormonal replacement treatment, as well as the use of birth control pills, can make the condition more likely, too.

Broken capillaries can be hereditary. The condition is also more likely to happen if the individual has a history of blood clots or is obese. It is more common among women, and the risk increases with age.

Thankfully, treatment options are available for broken capillaries. At Advanced Anti-Aging and Weight Loss in Evansville, we offer laser skin treatments as a safe and effective way for patients to say goodbye to broken capillaries. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more.