Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesDiagnosisHome RemediesTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Diagnosis
Home Remedies
Treatment
Prevention
Broken blood vessels, also known asspider veins, can occur in most body areas. When they appear on the face, they usually look like small, red lines that spread into a webbed shape. They also commonly develop in the legs.
Anyone can experience broken blood vessels in the face. Your risk may be higher if you have certain chronic health conditions such asrosacea.It is important to see a healthcare provider to learn the cause of broken blood vessels and how to treat them. Several treatment options are available.
This article will provide an overview of broken blood vessels on the face, including the causes and treatment options.
Svetlana Dolgova / Getty Images
What Causes Broken Blood Vessels on the Face?
A variety of factors can lead to broken blood vessels on the face. Your risk may be higher if you have experienced any of the following:
How Are Broken Blood Vessels on the Face Diagnosed?
Broken blood vessels or spider veins in the face are common and usually harmless. You may be able to identify them at home based on their appearance. They look like fine red lines that form a web pattern on the skin.
If you are uncomfortable with the appearance of facial spider veins, consider seeing a healthcare provider. They will likely refer you to a dermatologist (a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions) or a facial plastic surgeon (a medical doctor who treats structures of the head and neck).
Petechiae vs. Purpura: What Skin Discoloration Can Tell You About Your Health
Home Remedies for Broken Blood Vessels on the Face
You may be curious about trying home remedies to treat your spider veins. Because most home remedies have not been proven effective or safe, talk with a healthcare provider first.
Avoiding Hot Water and Extreme Temperatures
Use warm water in the shower and when washing your face. Hot water can cause broken blood vessels because it causes the blood vessels to dilate and become more noticeable.
Cold Compress for Immediate Relief
Because heat dilates (widens) blood vessels, try a cold compress to cause blood vessels to constrict (narrow). This can provide soothing relief and make blood vessels less visible.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A 2016 study found that applyingapple cider vinegarto the skin may decrease the appearance of spider veins and improve skin redness.Consider starting with a very small amount of diluted apple cider vinegar to see how your skin responds to it.
Arnica Oil
Arnicais an herb that has been used for pain relief in the past, especially in homeopathic medicine. It may contain anti-inflammatory compounds that are effective for skin conditions like spider veins. Arnica oil is available as a topical treatment. Do not use arnica oil if you are pregnant or have certain plant allergies.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazelis a natural remedy made from a plant. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved witch hazel as an ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) skin products.Applying witch hazel to the skin may reduce inflammation.
Talk with a healthcare provider about how much witch hazel to use on your skin.
Aloe Vera
Aloe verais a plant with long, thick leaves that contain a gel that can be applied to the skin. This gel has been used to treat several skin conditions likesunburns,frostbite, andbedsores. Aloe vera is also a common ingredient in facial cleansers and moisturizers. Start with a small amount and go up from there.
Vitamin C
Vitamin Cis a water-soluble nutrient that has several skin benefits including reduced inflammation, improved wound healing, and increased hydration. It has been found to protect against sun damage which may reduce the risk of broken blood vessels on the face.
Talk with a dermatologist about adding a skin serum with vitamin C to your skin care routine.
What Does Vitamin C Do for Your Skin?
Herbs
Several types of plants and herbs may be beneficial for skin health.For example,horse chestnutis an herb that can be applied directly to the skin and may treat skin issues like broken blood vessels.Talk with a dermatologist before using herbs on your skin daily.
Medical Treatments for Broken Blood Vessels on the Face
If home remedies and lifestyle changes have not improved the appearance of broken blood vessels on your face, you may consider seeing a dermatologist for prescription treatments and procedures.
Retinoids
Laser therapy
Laser therapyuses intense, narrow beams of coherent light (the peaks and troughs of the light waves are lined up) to minimize the appearance of spider veins on the skin. It may also be used to destroy veins that are not functioning properly. Your dermatologist may recommend several sessions of laser therapy to treat your spider veins.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapyuses a light that penetrates the first layer of skin without harming it. It reaches the second layer of skin to treat inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and psoriasis.Ask your dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon if IPL could be an option for the broken blood vessels on your face.
Types of Cosmetic Laser Procedures
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapyis a spider vein treatment that uses injections. A dermatologist injects a solution into the broken blood vessels that causes them to close. Once the blood vessels have closed, the blood reroutes to other blood vessels. This lessens the appearance of spider veins in the skin.
How to Prevent Broken Blood Vessels From Forming on Your Face
Fortunately, preventing or lowering the risk of developing broken blood vessels in your face is possible. To reduce your risk of spider veins in your face, consider the following tips:
Summary
Broken blood vessels, also known as spider veins, are common and usually harmless. On the face, they appear as fine, red lines that form a web pattern. Possible causes of broken blood vessels on the face are genetics, skin conditions such as rosacea, and environmental factors like sunlight exposure.
See a dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon if you are interested in treating the broken blood vessels on your face. Treatment options include retinoids, laser therapy, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, and sclerotherapy. Natural remedies may be helpful but require more research. See a healthcare provider for next steps.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Varicose veins and spider veins.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rosacea: signs and symptoms.Kaiser Permanente.Solar purpura.National Weather Service.Summer heat: the silent killer.Nemours Kids Health.Why do some pregnant women get varicose veins?.Jain NP, Shao K, Stewart C, Grant-Kels JM.The effects of alcohol and illicit drug use on the skin.Clin Dermatol. 2021;39(5):772-783. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.05.005Atik D, Atik C, Karatepe C.The effect of external apple vinegar application on varicosity symptoms, pain, and social appearance anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:6473678. doi:10.1155/2016/6473678Kriplani P, Guarve K, Baghael US.Arnica montana L. - a plant of healing: review.J Pharm Pharmacol.2017;69(8):925-945. doi:10.1111/jphp.12724Food and Drug Administration.CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Volume 5. Skin protection drug products for over-the-counter human use.Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K.Moisturizers for acne: What are their constituents?J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 May;7(5):36-44.Fox LT, du Plessis J, Gerber M, van Zyl S, Boneschans B, Hamman JH.In vivo skin hydration and anti-erythema effects of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii gel materials after single and multiple applications.Pharmacogn Mag. 2014;10(Suppl 2):S392-S403. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.133291Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM.The roles of vitamin C in skin health.Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866Tabassum N, Hamdani M.Plants used to treat skin diseases.Pharmacogn Rev. 2014;8(15):52-60. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.125531National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Horse chestnut.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?.National Cancer Institute.Definition of laser therapy.Cai Y, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Xiang W.Intense pulsed light treatment for inflammatory skin diseases: a review.Lasers Med Sci. 2022;37(8):3085-3105. doi:10.1007/s10103-022-03620-1Rabe E, Breu FX, Flessenkämper I, et al.Sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins : S2k guideline of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) in cooperation with the following societies: DDG, DGA, DGG, BVP. Leitlinie Sklerosierungsbehandlung der Varikose : S2k-Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) in Kooperation mit folgenden Fachgesellschaften: DDG, DGA, DGG, BVP. Englische Version.Hautarzt. 2021;72(Suppl 2):23-36. doi:10.1007/s00105-020-04705-0
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Varicose veins and spider veins.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rosacea: signs and symptoms.Kaiser Permanente.Solar purpura.National Weather Service.Summer heat: the silent killer.Nemours Kids Health.Why do some pregnant women get varicose veins?.Jain NP, Shao K, Stewart C, Grant-Kels JM.The effects of alcohol and illicit drug use on the skin.Clin Dermatol. 2021;39(5):772-783. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.05.005Atik D, Atik C, Karatepe C.The effect of external apple vinegar application on varicosity symptoms, pain, and social appearance anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:6473678. doi:10.1155/2016/6473678Kriplani P, Guarve K, Baghael US.Arnica montana L. - a plant of healing: review.J Pharm Pharmacol.2017;69(8):925-945. doi:10.1111/jphp.12724Food and Drug Administration.CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Volume 5. Skin protection drug products for over-the-counter human use.Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K.Moisturizers for acne: What are their constituents?J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 May;7(5):36-44.Fox LT, du Plessis J, Gerber M, van Zyl S, Boneschans B, Hamman JH.In vivo skin hydration and anti-erythema effects of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii gel materials after single and multiple applications.Pharmacogn Mag. 2014;10(Suppl 2):S392-S403. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.133291Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM.The roles of vitamin C in skin health.Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866Tabassum N, Hamdani M.Plants used to treat skin diseases.Pharmacogn Rev. 2014;8(15):52-60. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.125531National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Horse chestnut.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?.National Cancer Institute.Definition of laser therapy.Cai Y, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Xiang W.Intense pulsed light treatment for inflammatory skin diseases: a review.Lasers Med Sci. 2022;37(8):3085-3105. doi:10.1007/s10103-022-03620-1Rabe E, Breu FX, Flessenkämper I, et al.Sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins : S2k guideline of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) in cooperation with the following societies: DDG, DGA, DGG, BVP. Leitlinie Sklerosierungsbehandlung der Varikose : S2k-Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) in Kooperation mit folgenden Fachgesellschaften: DDG, DGA, DGG, BVP. Englische Version.Hautarzt. 2021;72(Suppl 2):23-36. doi:10.1007/s00105-020-04705-0
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Office on Women’s Health.Varicose veins and spider veins.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rosacea: signs and symptoms.Kaiser Permanente.Solar purpura.National Weather Service.Summer heat: the silent killer.Nemours Kids Health.Why do some pregnant women get varicose veins?.Jain NP, Shao K, Stewart C, Grant-Kels JM.The effects of alcohol and illicit drug use on the skin.Clin Dermatol. 2021;39(5):772-783. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.05.005Atik D, Atik C, Karatepe C.The effect of external apple vinegar application on varicosity symptoms, pain, and social appearance anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:6473678. doi:10.1155/2016/6473678Kriplani P, Guarve K, Baghael US.Arnica montana L. - a plant of healing: review.J Pharm Pharmacol.2017;69(8):925-945. doi:10.1111/jphp.12724Food and Drug Administration.CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Volume 5. Skin protection drug products for over-the-counter human use.Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K.Moisturizers for acne: What are their constituents?J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 May;7(5):36-44.Fox LT, du Plessis J, Gerber M, van Zyl S, Boneschans B, Hamman JH.In vivo skin hydration and anti-erythema effects of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii gel materials after single and multiple applications.Pharmacogn Mag. 2014;10(Suppl 2):S392-S403. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.133291Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM.The roles of vitamin C in skin health.Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866Tabassum N, Hamdani M.Plants used to treat skin diseases.Pharmacogn Rev. 2014;8(15):52-60. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.125531National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Horse chestnut.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?.National Cancer Institute.Definition of laser therapy.Cai Y, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Xiang W.Intense pulsed light treatment for inflammatory skin diseases: a review.Lasers Med Sci. 2022;37(8):3085-3105. doi:10.1007/s10103-022-03620-1Rabe E, Breu FX, Flessenkämper I, et al.Sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins : S2k guideline of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) in cooperation with the following societies: DDG, DGA, DGG, BVP. Leitlinie Sklerosierungsbehandlung der Varikose : S2k-Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) in Kooperation mit folgenden Fachgesellschaften: DDG, DGA, DGG, BVP. Englische Version.Hautarzt. 2021;72(Suppl 2):23-36. doi:10.1007/s00105-020-04705-0
Office on Women’s Health.Varicose veins and spider veins.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rosacea: signs and symptoms.
Kaiser Permanente.Solar purpura.
National Weather Service.Summer heat: the silent killer.
Nemours Kids Health.Why do some pregnant women get varicose veins?.
Jain NP, Shao K, Stewart C, Grant-Kels JM.The effects of alcohol and illicit drug use on the skin.Clin Dermatol. 2021;39(5):772-783. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.05.005
Atik D, Atik C, Karatepe C.The effect of external apple vinegar application on varicosity symptoms, pain, and social appearance anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:6473678. doi:10.1155/2016/6473678
Kriplani P, Guarve K, Baghael US.Arnica montana L. - a plant of healing: review.J Pharm Pharmacol.2017;69(8):925-945. doi:10.1111/jphp.12724
Food and Drug Administration.CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Volume 5. Skin protection drug products for over-the-counter human use.
Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K.Moisturizers for acne: What are their constituents?J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 May;7(5):36-44.
Fox LT, du Plessis J, Gerber M, van Zyl S, Boneschans B, Hamman JH.In vivo skin hydration and anti-erythema effects of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii gel materials after single and multiple applications.Pharmacogn Mag. 2014;10(Suppl 2):S392-S403. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.133291
Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM.The roles of vitamin C in skin health.Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866
Tabassum N, Hamdani M.Plants used to treat skin diseases.Pharmacogn Rev. 2014;8(15):52-60. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.125531
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Horse chestnut.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?.
National Cancer Institute.Definition of laser therapy.
Cai Y, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Xiang W.Intense pulsed light treatment for inflammatory skin diseases: a review.Lasers Med Sci. 2022;37(8):3085-3105. doi:10.1007/s10103-022-03620-1
Rabe E, Breu FX, Flessenkämper I, et al.Sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins : S2k guideline of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) in cooperation with the following societies: DDG, DGA, DGG, BVP. Leitlinie Sklerosierungsbehandlung der Varikose : S2k-Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) in Kooperation mit folgenden Fachgesellschaften: DDG, DGA, DGG, BVP. Englische Version.Hautarzt. 2021;72(Suppl 2):23-36. doi:10.1007/s00105-020-04705-0
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