Broken or dilated capillaries, also known as spider veins, are small blood vessels within the skin that have expanded and contracted too quickly. When this happens, they can leak into the surrounding tissue, resulting in the appearance of fine red lines on the skin. While these lines are mostly a cosmetic issue, they may occasionally itch, burn or cause pain. Read on to learn more about broken or dilated capillaries, including their causes, the areas where they most commonly appear, and available treatments available at The Greville Clinic.
Preventing broken or dilated capillaries starts with protecting your skin. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s SPF30 or higher every day, even in cloudy weather, and avoid prolonged sun exposure to help maintain capillary strength. You should also adopt a gentle skincare routine that uses mild cleansers and avoids harsh products, helping to protect the fragile capillary walls. Temperature extremes, like hot showers or saunas, can stress capillaries, so opt for lukewarm water. Finally, consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamin C can support overall skin health and help safeguard against broken capillaries.
If you’re interested in learning more about broken or dilated capillaries and the treatments available for this concern, book an appointment at The Greville Clinic today. In a complimentary consultation, we can assess your skin and determine the most suitable treatment.
Broken or dilated capillaries occur when the valves inside the veins become weakened or damaged, causing blood to pool within the vein. When this blood has nowhere else to go, it begins to branch out, leading to visible red lines.
Risk factors that increase the chances of experiencing broken or dilated capillaries include:
Excess facial pressure
Broken or dilated capillaries often manifest as visible signs on the skin.
Some of the most common symptoms include facial redness, web-like red or purple lines on the skin, blotchy skin, bruising, swelling, discomfort, and an itching or burning sensation.
If you’re concerned about persistent or worsening symptoms, The Greville Clinic offers a number of treatments to minimise the appearance of broken or dilated capillaries and reduce symptoms.
Broken or dilated capillaries typically affect the facial area, although all areas of the body can experience them. Some of the most common areas include:
At The Greville Clinic, we offer effective treatments to address broken or dilated capillaries on the face and body. We may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Ask us anything, pricing, suitability or what to expect, and one of our team will get back to you shortly.
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