What Are Broken Capillaries?

A common term for broken capillaries is spider veins. A capillary is a small blood vessel located in the tissues of the body. When the vessels tear, the blood seeps out and becomes visible on the skin.

Location of Broken Capillaries

Some of the most common places broken capillaries occur are on the face, specifically on the nose and cheeks. However, some individuals may suffer from broken capillaries on the legs.

Causes

According to the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, there are numerous reasons capillaries break. Some of the most common causes are rosacea and sun exposure. Broken capillaries can also occur as part of the natural aging process.

Treatment

Melbourne Dermatology recommends retinol as one treatment for broken capillaries. You can eliminate broken capillaries with laser treatment. Melbourne Dermatology also recommends individuals avoid using harsh facial scrubs to prevent the spread of broken capillaries.

Warning

There are certain things that a person shouldn't do if they suffer from broken capillaries. They should not visit tanning salons or saunas or eat or drink foods for liquids that would cause blood to rush to the face.

Diet

Genius Beauty recommends changing the diet to help with broken capillaries. The site recommends eating foods that are rich in vitamin C and vitamin K as treatment for broken capillaries. Foods rich in these vitamins include citrus fruit, sauerkraut, spinach, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

References

• South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery: Spider Veins and Broken Capillaries
• Melbourne Dermatology: Causes of Broken Capillaries
• Genius Beauty: Broken Capillaries Treatment