Veins on the Face Look Like Cobwebs?
Some people have very visible blood vessels on the skin on their faces. The appearance of these “fibers” of blood vessels looks like tree branches or cobwebs that are red, purple, or blue in color. Similar in pattern to varicose veins, but smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. The condition of the presence of blood vessels on the face is known as spider veins. Actually, what causes this condition and how to treat it?
What causes the appearance of blood vessel lines on the face?
The appearance of vein lines on the typical face of spider veins is most likely the result of damage and inflammation of the blood vessels. This damage leaves the blood vessels prone to “sticking out” under the top layer of the skin so that they are more easily visible to the naked eye. Spider veins do not cause other symptoms apart from visible blood vessels on the face, or other parts of the body.
Spider veins can occur at any age. This means that even children and babies can have this condition.
However, there are several risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of experiencing it. Among others:
- Heredity. You will be more prone to having spider veins if your parents or siblings have the condition.
- Frequent exposure to sunlight. Excess sunlight can enlarge blood vessels. The skin layer peels off and thins, making blood vessels visible beneath the surface of the skin.
- Weather changes. Sudden weather changes can increase the size of blood vessels to become wider.
- Chemical or cosmetic irritants. The chemicals in cosmetics can damage the skin, making the skin thinner and the blood vessels more visible.
- Rosacea. This skin condition generally causes skin redness. One type of rosacea, erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, can cause blood vessels to burst, making them look like spider veins.
- Addicted to drinking alcohol. This drink can make the skin red due to enlarged blood vessels. If you are addicted, this condition can cause it spider veins.
- Injury. A wound from a blow or being hit by something hard can cause bruising. At that time, blood vessels can burst and become more visible on the surface of the skin.
In addition, natural aging, blood clotting problems, a history of surgery on the veins can also cause visible blood vessels to appear on the face. Lack of exercise and obesity are also factors of “cobweb” blood vessels.
This condition is mainly experienced by women due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.
How do you deal with spider veins?
Spider veins can affect appearance, so it often makes you feel inferior. However, don’t worry because there are many choices of ways to deal with the appearance of blood vessels on your face.
1. Home remedies
These natural remedies include:
- Apply apple cider vinegar to the area spider veins. Apple cider vinegar is often used as a toner and is commonly used to reduce redness and the number of broken blood vessels. You can simply pour a few drops of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball and apply it to your face gently. However, this method is not recommended if you have allergies.
- Wash your face with water that is not too cold or hot. Heat can cause more and more damaged vessels. So, avoid bathing or washing your face with hot water. just choose lukewarm water.
2. Treatment at the doctor
If you feel that home remedies are not working, you can consult a doctor for a more effective treatment. Generally doctors will recommend:
- Using a retinoid cream. This cream is often used to treat many skin diseases, including spider veins. Drying retinoid creams can reduce itching and redness in the skin.
- Laser therapy. If retinoid creams are not working well, you can opt for laser therapy. The laser beam is able to destroy the problematic vessels but can make the skin more sensitive. In addition, this therapy is quite expensive because it has to be done several times.
- Sclerotherapy. You can get an injection of the agent to get rid of varicose veins in as little as a few weeks. The side effect is pain that is difficult to go away at the injection area.
- Intense light pull (IPL) therapy. Treatment with a special light that is able to penetrate the skin layer without damaging the top layer of skin. This therapy is often successful in dealing with damaged facial blood vessels, but it must be done several times for maximum results.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
