Capillaries are the body’s smallest blood vessels, forming a microscopic network that connects arteries to veins. They facilitate the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to cells while removing carbon dioxide and waste products. When a capillary “bursts,” it signifies a rupture or leakage of blood from these delicate vessels into surrounding tissues. This event typically manifests as small red spots, often called petechiae, larger purplish patches known as purpura, or visible bruising. In specific areas like the eyes, a burst capillary can appear as a bloodshot area.
Physical Stressors and Minor Injuries
Capillaries can rupture due to sudden increases in pressure or direct physical impact. Activities that involve straining, such as forceful coughing, sneezing, or vomiting, can create temporary but significant pressure within the small vessels, particularly those in the face and eyes. This internal pressure can cause the thin walls of capillaries to give way, leading to visible small red spots.
Heavy lifting also elevates internal pressure, especially when individuals hold their breath and strain. This common practice among weightlifters can result in burst capillaries on the face or shoulders due to the increased pressure exerted on these tiny vessels. Similarly, the intense physical exertion and pressure during childbirth can lead to burst capillaries in the facial area. Even strong crying in infants can induce enough pressure to cause minor capillary ruptures around the eyes or face.
Direct minor trauma is a frequent cause of burst capillaries. A bump, pinch, or even aggressive scrubbing of the skin can damage these fragile vessels. This results in blood leaking into the surrounding tissue, forming a small bruise or red mark.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Certain systemic health conditions can weaken capillary walls or disrupt the blood’s clotting ability, making individuals more susceptible to capillary ruptures. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, or hypertension, can continuously stress blood vessel walls, including those of capillaries. While arteries are designed to withstand higher pressures, prolonged hypertension can compromise the integrity of smaller vessels, potentially leading to their rupture.
Diabetes can also affect blood vessels throughout the body, including capillaries. High blood glucose levels over time can thicken capillary walls and cause them to become more prone to leakage or damage. This microvascular damage contributes to various complications associated with diabetes. Autoimmune diseases, such as vasculitis, involve the immune system mistakenly attacking blood vessels, causing inflammation and weakening their structure. This inflammation can lead to narrowing, blockage, or even bursting of capillaries and other vessels.
Blood clotting disorders, like hemophilia or thrombocytopenia, impair the body’s ability to stop bleeding. Individuals with these conditions bruise easily and may experience spontaneous capillary ruptures. Severe infections, such as septicemia, can also lead to widespread inflammation and damage to blood vessel linings, increasing capillary fragility.
Certain medications can also increase the risk of capillary rupture. Blood thinners, including anticoagulants, reduce the blood’s clotting capacity, making leakage more likely. Corticosteroids can thin the skin and weaken blood vessel walls with long-term use. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also contribute to increased bruising and capillary fragility.
Lifestyle and Environmental Influences
As individuals age, capillaries become weaker and less elastic. The skin thins, and collagen, a protein that supports blood vessel walls, decreases. This makes capillaries more prone to rupture from minor stresses.
Excessive sun exposure, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can damage the skin and weaken capillary walls, especially on the face. UV rays can cause permanent dilation of these vessels. This is a common reason for visible capillaries on the cheeks and nose.
Nutritional deficiencies can also impact capillary integrity. Severe vitamin C deficiency, known as scurvy, impairs collagen synthesis, a key component of blood vessel walls. Its deficiency leads to fragile capillaries that can rupture easily. Adequate vitamin C intake is important for maintaining vessel health.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many instances of burst capillaries are minor and resolve without intervention, some situations warrant medical evaluation. If burst capillaries are widespread, appear frequently without a clear cause, or are increasing in size or number, consult a healthcare professional. These patterns could suggest an underlying health condition requiring diagnosis and management.
Consult a doctor if burst capillaries are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These might include unexplained bruising, unusual fatigue, persistent fever, severe pain, or swelling. The appearance of burst capillaries in unusual locations, such as deep under the skin or in areas not typically exposed to trauma, should prompt a medical visit. A doctor can assess the situation, perform necessary tests, and determine if the ruptures indicate a more significant health issue.