Blood Vessels & Facial Redness

Broken blood vessels, also known as spider veins or telangiectasias, occur when small blood vessels near the surface of the skin become dilated. They appear as clusters of small, damaged blood vessels that have a spider web like appearance. They may be pink, red, blue or purple. They commonly appear on the face but can also develop on the legs. Most adults between the ages of 30 and 50 have some spider veins, but women are four times more likely than men to be affected. They rarely cause symptoms, and most often they are a cosmetic issue.

1. UV radiation can damage not only the skin but also the blood vessels leading to dilation or breakage.
2. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels and sometimes acne-like bumps. It can also make spider veins more noticeable.
3. Drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic drinks can cause blood vessels to dilate temporarily, and repeated dilation can lead to broken blood vessels.
4. A family history of spider veins can increase the likelihood of developing spider veins.
5. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause and hormone therapies can cause changes in the blood vessels making them more prone to breakage.
6. Obesity increases the risk of developing spider veins.
7. Smoking is linked with spider veins.
8. Fair skinned individuals are at higher risk of developing spider veins.
9. Certain medical conditions like liver disease can cause spider veins to appear on the face and body.
10. Physical injury to the face from things like harsh exfoliation or squeezing pimples can cause spider veins.

• Laser therapy: Vascular lasers, such as the pulsed dye laser (PDL) or intense pulsed light (IPL) target and reduce the appearance of broken blood vessels. These are noninvasive methods to treat spider veins.
• Sclerotherapy: This is where a solution is injected into the broken blood vessels causing them to collapse. This is used to treat larger veins on the legs.
• Topical treatments: Creams and serums containing Vitamin K and retinoids can help to reduce the appearance of broken blood vessels.
• Electrosurgery: This involves the use of electric currents to destroy dilated blood vessels.

Facial redness is a symptom that can result from several conditions and triggers. Sunburn, acne and hot flashes can cause facial redness. Rosacea is the most common cause.

1. Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory disease and the primary cause of persistent facial redness. If affects women more often than men. Rosacea triggers include sunlight, stress, heat, alcohol, spicy foods, some makeup and skin care products, wind and cold, some medications and exercise.
2. Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic form of eczema that causes skin inflammation, and red, scaly patches on the face, especially around the nose and eyebrows.
3. Eczema causes red, inflamed and itchy patches of skin on the face.
4. Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to skin care products, cosmetics and other substances that cause inflammation and redness.
5. Shingles causes a painful, blistering rash that can appear on the face.
6. An autoimmune disease called Lupus can cause a mask of redness across the cheeks and nose.
7. Allergic reactions to foods, medications and environmental allergens can trigger redness and swelling. Some medicines used to treat diabetes and high cholesterol can cause flushing.
8. Emotional stress can cause temporary flushing due to dilated blood vessels.
9. Physical exertion can lead to temporary redness due to increased blood flow.

• Rosacea treatments include topical and oral antibiotics, azelaic acid, brimonidine gel and laser therapy. Rosacea cannot be cured but treatments can reduce redness.
• Using gentle, fragrance free cleansers and moisturizers can help manage redness. Gently cleansing the skin and avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasives can help reduce redness.
• Sun protection is essential. The regular use of sunscreen can prevent sunburn and reduce overall redness.
• For conditions like eczema or allergic reactions, topical steroid creams can temporarily reduce inflammation and redness. However, overuse of these creams can thin the skin making it more susceptible to broken blood vessels.
• When redness is due to an allergic reaction, antihistamines can help to manage redness and swelling
• Identifying and avoiding certain triggers such as spicy foods, alcohol and extreme temperatures can help manage redness especially rosacea.
• Laser and light treatments like those use to treat broken blood vessels an als reduce redness by targeting the dilated vessels.