Small red or purple spots on your skin or in your eye can be common. Often called “popped blood vessels,” these are typically minor ruptures of tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin or eye. While they can look concerning, many resolve on their own. This article explains what these spots are, why they appear, and how to manage them.
What Are They and Why They Appear?
The term “popped blood vessels” refers to several types of superficial bleeding or dilated capillaries. Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint-sized red, purple, or brown spots, less than 2 mm in diameter, resulting from bleeding under the skin due to damaged capillaries. They do not blanch (retain color when pressed), distinguishing them from a rash. Purpura are similar but larger (2 mm or more), also indicating blood leaking from small vessels under the skin. Both can appear on the skin or mucous membranes like the mouth or eyelids.
Telangiectasias, known as spider veins or broken capillaries, are small, widened blood vessels visible as red, blue, or purple lines near the skin’s surface. These often form in spider-web patterns, particularly on the face (e.g., around the nose, cheeks, and chin). Unlike petechiae or purpura, telangiectasias are permanently dilated vessels, not active bleeding. A subconjunctival hemorrhage appears as a bright red spot on the white of the eye, occurring when tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye) break. Despite their alarming appearance, these eye hemorrhages are harmless and do not affect vision.
Common causes for these visible blood vessel issues are often benign. Petechiae and purpura can result from minor trauma, straining activities (e.g., vigorous coughing, sneezing, vomiting), or childbirth. Certain medications, infections, or underlying conditions can also contribute. Telangiectasias are caused by factors such as sun exposure, genetics, aging, rosacea, hormonal changes, and trauma. Subconjunctival hemorrhages are triggered by actions that briefly increase blood pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, straining, or rubbing the eyes too hard. They can also be associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, or blood-thinning medications.
Home Care Strategies
For many minor instances of visible blood vessels, home care focuses on supportive measures and patience, as these issues often resolve naturally. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels, minimizing the appearance of fresh bleeding (e.g., in bruises or petechiae). For optimal effectiveness, wrap a cold pack in a thin towel and apply for 15-20 minutes at a time, repeated several times within the first 24-48 hours after injury. This helps limit further bleeding under the skin.
Protecting the skin from further irritation and trauma is also beneficial. For facial telangiectasias or broken capillaries, adopt a gentle skincare routine. This involves using fragrance-free and gentle cleansers and moisturizers, and avoiding aggressive scrubbing or exfoliants that could further damage delicate capillary walls. Sun protection is also a preventative measure, as excessive sun exposure can weaken blood vessel walls and make them more prone to dilation. Regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, can help mitigate this risk.
Individuals prone to these issues should also consider lifestyle adjustments. Limiting exposure to extreme temperatures (e.g., very hot baths or saunas) can help, as significant temperature changes can cause blood vessels to expand and contract, potentially increasing their visibility. Staying hydrated and incorporating antioxidants like Vitamin C into the diet or skincare routine may support capillary wall strength. Avoiding known triggers like excessive alcohol consumption, which can widen blood vessels, may also contribute to prevention.
When to Consult a Professional
While many “popped blood vessels” are benign and resolve on their own, professional medical evaluation is advisable in specific situations. Seek medical attention if spots are widespread, appear frequently without a clear cause, or increase in number. Petechiae, for example, can indicate a serious underlying condition, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like fever, fatigue, or unexplained bruising. Rapidly spreading spots or those that do not fade within a few days also warrant a doctor’s visit.
Painful or rapidly spreading skin discoloration, or lumps over the affected area, could signal a more serious issue like a hematoma or infection. If “popped blood vessels” appear in unusual locations or are associated with unusual bleeding from other areas (e.g., nose or gums), seek medical consultation. For subconjunctival hemorrhages, while typically harmless, recurrent instances or those accompanied by pain, vision changes, or recent head trauma should be evaluated by an eye care professional.
A healthcare professional can diagnose the specific type of blood vessel issue and determine its underlying cause, which is important for appropriate management. This diagnostic process may involve a physical examination, medical history review, and potentially blood tests to rule out clotting disorders or other conditions. Identifying the root cause is the first step towards effective treatment, particularly if the visible vessels are a symptom of a broader health concern.
Professional Treatments and Prevention
For persistent, recurring, or cosmetically concerning visible blood vessels, various medical interventions are available. Laser therapy is an effective treatment for telangiectasias, particularly on the face. Lasers work by emitting light absorbed by red blood cells within the vessel, causing it to heat up, collapse, and be reabsorbed by the body, reducing its visibility. Different types of lasers, such as pulsed dye lasers (PDL) and Nd:YAG lasers, or intense pulsed light (IPL) devices, are used depending on vessel size and depth. Multiple sessions may be necessary for optimal results, and temporary redness or swelling can occur post-treatment.
For spider veins, especially on the legs, sclerotherapy is a common procedure. This involves injecting a chemical solution directly into the affected vein. The solution irritates the blood vessel lining, causing it to swell, stick together, and scar, effectively closing off the vein. The collapsed vein then fades over time as it is reabsorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy is typically performed in-office and can improve both cosmetic appearance and associated symptoms like aching or swelling.
Addressing underlying medical conditions is also an important aspect of professional management and prevention. If petechiae or purpura are caused by an infection, antibiotics or other appropriate medications may be prescribed to clear the infection, leading to spot resolution. For conditions like rosacea, which often involve telangiectasias, specific treatments aimed at managing the skin condition can also improve the appearance of the blood vessels. In cases where medications contribute to the issue, a doctor might adjust prescriptions.
Preventative measures often align with general health practices. Protecting the skin from trauma can help prevent broken capillaries. Managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can reduce the risk of subconjunctival hemorrhages. Avoiding excessive straining during activities like heavy lifting or bowel movements can also decrease the likelihood of rupture. Consistent use of sunscreen, avoiding extreme temperatures, and maintaining a gentle skincare routine are proactive steps to support overall skin health and reduce the recurrence of superficial blood vessel issues.