Blood vessels are tubes that transport blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body, while carrying away waste products. When a blood vessel ruptures, its wall breaks, allowing blood to leak out of the circulatory system. This event can range from a minor, often harmless occurrence to a severe, life-threatening emergency, depending on the vessel’s size and location.
Visible Signs on the Skin
One common sign of a burst blood vessel on the skin is a bruise. These discolorations appear when blood leaks from damaged capillaries or larger vessels and pools beneath the skin’s surface. A bruise typically begins as a red or purplish mark, changing color over one to three weeks as the body reabsorbs the blood. A hematoma refers to a larger collection of clotted blood outside the vessel, often appearing as a raised, painful lump under the skin.
Smaller, pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin, known as petechiae, indicate the bursting of tiny capillaries. These spots are usually less than 2 millimeters in diameter and often appear in clusters. Unlike a rash, petechiae do not fade when pressure is applied.
Slightly larger than petechiae, but smaller than typical bruises, are purpura. These purple or red patches on the skin generally range from 4 millimeters to 1 centimeter in diameter. These flat, discolored spots result from blood leaking from small vessels under the skin. They can appear anywhere, but are often seen on the limbs or mucous membranes.
Visible Signs in Specific Areas
Burst blood vessels can also appear in distinct external locations. One example is a subconjunctival hemorrhage, commonly called “blood in the eye.” This appears as a bright red patch on the white part of the eye (sclera). It occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just beneath the conjunctiva, the clear surface covering the eye. Despite its alarming appearance, it is usually harmless and often resolves on its own within a couple of weeks, though it may cause a mild scratchy sensation.
Nosebleeds are another common manifestation of burst blood vessels. This involves blood flowing from one or both nostrils, varying from a light trickle to a steady stream. Nosebleeds result from the rupture of delicate blood vessels within the lining of the nose. Factors such as dry air, nose picking, or forceful blowing can cause these vessels to break.
Recognizing Signs of Internal Bleeding
When a blood vessel bursts internally, signs manifest as systemic symptoms. A person experiencing internal bleeding might exhibit pallor, an unusual paleness of the skin, and feel clammy and sweaty. They may also show signs of shock, such as a rapid heart rate, confusion, weakness, and dizziness, due to reduced blood flow to vital organs.
Internal bleeding can also lead to localized swelling and tenderness, which may be visible or palpable. For instance, bleeding into a joint can cause significant discomfort and reduced mobility. In cases of severe internal bleeding, particularly within the brain, altered mental states or neurological symptoms can occur. This might include changes in consciousness, severe headaches, confusion, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or difficulty speaking.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of burst blood vessels, like minor bruises or a blood spot in the eye, are not serious, certain signs warrant immediate medical evaluation. Seek prompt medical attention if you notice large or rapidly growing bruises, or if bruises are accompanied by significant pain or swelling. Uncontrolled bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure, or recurrent and unexplained bleeding, are also reasons to see a doctor.
Any signs suggestive of internal bleeding, such as unusual pallor, signs of shock, persistent dizziness, confusion, severe localized pain, or neurological changes, require urgent medical assessment. Head injuries followed by any visual changes or new neurological symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing heavy or prolonged bleeding, such as soaking through multiple sanitary products per hour for several hours, or passing large blood clots, immediate medical care is advised.