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Dilated capillaries are small veins that have become enlarged for any number of reasons and can be seen through the skin. You usually see them as red or purple lines on your face, legs, and other areas. While they are harmless,  dilated capillaries can be bothersome and cause many people to feel self-conscious about their skin.

But what exactly causes dilated capillaries? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons they occur and how dermatologists at BairdMD can help you address this issue.

Common Causes of Dilated Capillaries

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin problem that makes your face red and the main reason for that redness is the dilation of blood vessels. When the blood vessels are enlarged, they become more visible through the skin and cause redness to become more prominent on the surface of the skin.

Rosacea is a long-term problem that usually starts with instances of getting red or blushing. Over time, these small blood vessels can get bigger on the nose and cheeks and for some people, this makes the skin stay red or rosy all the time. While there is no cure for rosacea, there are laser treatments your dermatologist can provide to diminish the appearance of the capillaries.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through big changes in hormones. This can cause more blood flow to the skin and make these tiny veins larger. You can usually see these blood vessels on the face, neck, chest, and legs. The good thing about dilated blood vessels during pregnancy is that they usually go away by themselves after you have the baby. If they don’t, there are many laser treatment options available.

Sun Damage

Staying in the sun for long periods of time can make the walls of blood vessels weaken and make it easier for them to become dilated. This also makes them more noticeable on the surface of the skin. People with light skin or those who spend lots of time outside without good protection from the sun have a greater chance of struggling with dilated capillaries. Using sunscreen, wearing hats, and staying in the shade can help protect your skin and make the redness less noticeable. To treat and diminish the appearance of these capillaries, pulsed dye laser treatment at BairdMD is a great choice.

Medications/Surgery

Some medicines like corticosteroids and blood thinners can enlarge capillaries as a side effect. Sometimes, surgery can widen the blood vessels because it’s hard on the body. These bigger blood vessels often go back to normal by themselves after the body heals or when you stop taking the medication.  But if you’d like to address these dilated capillaries quickly and easily, we offer dilated capillary treatment at BairdMD.

Schedule A Consultation

Dilated capillaries can be caused by a variety of different things. Whether it’s genes, rosacea, or pregnancy, dilated capillaries can be a problem for many people. But you don’t have to struggle with these imperfections on your skin alone. With the help of Dr. Baird at BairdMD, you can have the clear skin you’re looking for.

To learn more, schedule a consultation with us today!  Call our Farmington, MI office at 248-476-4850 or use our online contact form. Don’t let dilated capillaries stop you from feeling comfortable in your own skin.