Ruptured blood vessels are enlarged blood vessels that appear just below the surface of the skin. The resulting red, cobweb-like appearance means that ruptured blood vessels are often referred to as varicose veins.
Where do ruptured blood vessels occur
Ruptured blood vessels most commonly appear on the face, lower thighs or upper lower legs, but ruptured blood vessels can appear anywhere on the body.
Apart from being very visible on the outside of the body, and therefore a cosmetic problem, ruptured blood vessels are completely harmless.
In this article, we look at the causes and treatment of ruptured blood vessels, and when it is important to see a doctor.
Causes of ruptured blood vessels
There are several different reasons why ruptured blood vessels can appear on the body. The most common cause of ruptured blood vessels is genetic; it is simply the inheritance from the parents that determines whether or not a person will develop ruptured blood vessels.
Another common cause of ruptured blood vessels is sun exposure. It is well known that intensive sunbathing can damage the skin, and ruptured blood vessels are one of the damages that can result from intensive sunbathing.
Changes in blood circulation. Blood circulation is important for the smooth pumping of blood to the heart for oxygenation. If blood circulation is poor, the pressure in blood vessels can increase to the point that they burst.
There are also examples of intense sneezing or laughing causing blood vessels to burst.
Furthermore, hormonal changes during a pregnancy can cause ruptured blood vessels. However, ruptured blood vessels associated with a pregnancy often heal after the pregnancy ends.
Exposure to chemicals or environmental pollutants can be yet another reason why ruptured blood vessels occur.
Many times, alcohol consumption is one reason why blood vessels burst. Intense and prolonged alcohol consumption
Finally, of course, direct injuries from bumps, blows and so on can cause blood vessels to burst.
Diagnosis of ruptured blood vessels
Ruptured blood vessels can normally be diagnosed by a doctor by looking at the blood vessels from the surface of the skin. In other words, ultrasound or other more complicated tests are not usually needed to determine whether or not a person has a broken blood vessel.
Treatments for ruptured blood vessels
There are a number of very effective treatments for ruptured blood vessels. It is up to the doctor carrying out the treatment to work with the patient to decide which treatment might be best in a particular case. In the case of treatment for ruptured blood vessels, the treatment may need to be repeated to achieve a satisfactory result.
Sclerotherapy is carried out by injecting an agent that seals the ruptured blood vessels, after which they disappear. It may take a week or so before the results of the treatment are evident.
Laser treatment is a very effective and gentle method of removing ruptured blood vessels. The light from the laser causes the blood in the small blood vessels to coagulate, which will cause this blood vessel to disappear and with it the leaked blood.
The treatments for ruptured blood vessels are very gentle and take only a few hours to complete. After the treatment, the patient only needs a few days of convalescence before he or she can return to normal activities. In varicose vein clinics, sclerotherapy is used to remove ruptured blood vessels.
Preventing the appearance of ruptured blood vessels
Although the risk of developing ruptured blood vessels is largely genetic, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of ruptured blood vessels and to minimise the extent of ruptured blood vessels if they do occur.
Avoid excessive sunbathing. Strong sunlight can increase the risk of ruptured blood vessels.
Alcohol can increase the risk of ruptured blood vessels so reduce alcohol consumption if possible.
Improve blood circulation by maintaining a normal weight and exercising regularly.
When should you see a doctor for burst blood vessels?
Ruptured blood vessels, or varicose veins, are almost never dangerous. Instead, they are almost always only a cosmetic problem.
However, if you are bothered by the cosmetic problems that you may perceive as a result of the ruptured blood vessels, you can see a doctor to have them diagnosed and then discuss different treatment options.
However, there are cases where ruptured blood vessels may be a symptom of an underlying medical problem. If you are concerned that this is the case, you may wish to see a doctor to see if the burst blood vessels are a sign of a deeper problem, such as varicose veins.
