Blood vessels, including arteries, veins and capillaries, are tubes that conduct blood throughout your body. Activities such as strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, nose blowing and sexual intercourse can put excessive pressure on the circulatory system, causing your capillaries to burst. While not usually harmful, some types of broken blood vessels may indicate an underlying medical condition.
Types of Broken Vessels
Types of broken blood vessels in your face include bruises, petechiae, telangiectasias and subconjunctival hemorrhage. Your skin, muscles and bones can suffer bruising. Sometimes called a contusion, ecchymoses or hematoma, bruising occurs when blood vessels under the skin on your face rupture, allowing blood to pool in the surrounding tissue. Petechiae and telangectiasis are small, individual red or purple dots just under the surface of your facial skin. Petechiae often appear in clusters and resemble a rash. Telangectasias may appear as an individual spot or a network of dilated blood vessels. Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when blood vessels burst under the conjunctiva of your eye. Subconjunctival hemorrhages can look like tiny red dots or large, bloody areas in the whites of your eye.
Causes
Some exercises, such as contact sports, or repeated, focused contact with heavy weights, can contribute to bruising. Minor trauma and everyday events, such as sneezing or straining while defecating, can cause petechiae on your face, but the condition is more common in people who perform strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting and weight training. Certain blood disorders, such as those involving your platelets and coagulation factors, can increase your risk for developing petechiae. Alcohol use, aging and sun exposure contribute to the formation of telangectasias, which often is seen on the nose and cheeks, especially in the elderly. Subconjunctival hemorrhage can occur when you perform activities that increase the pressure in your face and head, such as weightlifting, violent coughing or vomiting.
Treatment
Most bruises resolve without medical treatment in about two weeks. Severe bruising can take up to a month or longer to heal. Icing and elevating the bruised area above the heart can speed healing. Treat exercise-induced petechiae with cold packs. Seek treatment for any underlying causes from a medical professional. Reduce your risk of developing telangectasias by applying sunscreen and reducing your alcohol consumption. Subconjunctival hemorrhages usually resolve without medical intervention in 10 to 14 days. Eye drops may be used to soothe irritation.
Prevention
To prevent exercise-induced ruptures, consult with a fitness professional on proper weightlifting technique and increase weight gradually. Avoid sudden increases in facial pressure.
References
- Virtualmedicinecentre.com; Petechiae Skin Purpura; July 2, 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Subconjunctival Hemorrhage; Jan. 15, 2011
- MedlinePlus: Bruises
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Muscle Contusion (Bruise); July 2007
- MedlinePlus; Telangiectasia; April 15, 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Petechiae; Feb. 27, 2010
