Broken Blood Vessels Q & A
What are Broken Blood Vessels in the Skin?
Commonly, what people are experiencing when they say there are broken blood vessels in their skin is a condition known as telangiectasia. This is a benign skin condition which occurs in typically healthy people. The exact cause of the illness is unknown, though it is thought that continued exposure to the sun and extreme cold or heat can affect it. Telangiectasia is a condition in which widened blood vessels cause visible, red lines or patterns in the skin. These patterns, or telangiectases, form over time and typically in clusters. The condition is occasionally referred to as spider veins since their fine and web-like look makes them resemble a spider’s legs or web. Telangiectases are frequently found in areas of the skin which are easily seen such as the nose, eyes, lips, fingers, and cheeks. They can cause discomfort and many individuals find them unappealing. Many people decide to have them extracted.
Who Is at Risk of Developing the Condition?
Telangiectasia is a common skin condition. However, some people are at an increased risk of developing telangiectasia. This includes those who:
are pregnant
are older or elderly
work outdoors
sit or stand all day
suffer from alcoholism
have rosacea, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
use corticosteroids
What is the Treatment for Telangiectasia?
The goal of treatment is to improve the look of the skin. The most common methods include:
laser therapy: the laser targets the widened vessels and seals them. There is usually some discomfort and a very short recovery period.
surgery: widened vessels can be removed through traditional surgery. This can come with much more discomfort and it may require a longer recovery time.
sclerotherapy: a chemical solution which causes a blood clot is injected into the inner lining of the blood vessel which causes it to collapse, thicken, or scar. There is usually no recovery required, although there can be some short-term exercise restrictions.
