What is it?
Broken capillaries, also known as telangiectasia, are dilated or broken red blood vessels that have become visible on the skin’s surface, often appearing as tiny, spidery red lines. These blood vessels, which are no longer functional, rise closer to the skin’s surface, creating clusters of red-hued marks, particularly on the face or chest. Unlike a skin rash, broken capillaries are not caused by irritants but rather occur when the smallest blood vessels in the body, known as capillaries, become dilated or damaged.
While broken capillaries are harmless, they can be perceived as unappealing, especially when visible around the nose, cheeks, or chest. Similar to spider veins or varicose veins found on the legs, broken capillaries are enlarged blood vessels beneath the skin that do not fade like normal blemishes. They are more noticeable in individuals with fair skin due to the contrast against the skin’s tone, although they can occur in people of all skin types.
Common Causes
- Thinning of the skin
- Loss of fat
- Sun exposure
- Pregnancy
- Other conditions
What can I do?
- Wear sunscreen