What causes visible capillaries on the legs?
Sep 09, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Chenggang
Introduction
In general, visible leg capillaries may be caused by thin skin, prolonged standing, telangiectasia, lower extremity varicose veins, or systemic lupus erythematosus. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. During recovery, adequate rest is important; avoid overexertion and strenuous physical activity to facilitate healing.
Under normal circumstances, visible leg capillaries may be caused by thin skin, prolonged standing, telangiectasia, lower extremity varicose veins, or systemic lupus erythematosus. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Thin skin: Skin thickness can affect the visibility of blood vessels. If the skin on the legs is thin, capillaries are more easily seen through the skin surface. This is a normal condition and does not require special treatment.
2. Prolonged standing: Standing for extended periods increases venous pressure in the lower limbs, causing capillary congestion and dilation in the legs. This may make capillaries more prominent and visibly apparent on the skin surface. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require treatment.
3. Telangiectasia: Telangiectasia is a condition characterized by abnormal dilation and expansion of small blood vessels. It may lead to abnormally widened capillaries in the legs, making them more noticeable on the skin. Patients can visit a reputable hospital to undergo pulsed dye laser therapy to remove the dilated capillaries.
4. Lower extremity varicose veins: Varicose veins of the lower limbs occur due to impaired venous function, leading to venous dilation and difficulty in blood return. This may result in visible capillaries around the affected veins, as blood accumulates in the varicose areas. Patients may take medications such as diosmin tablets or sodium aescinate tablets under medical guidance, and should avoid prolonged standing.
5. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in multiple tissues and organs throughout the body. In the legs, this inflammation may lead to vasculitis and vascular dilation, resulting in visible capillaries. Patients may be treated with medications such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets or azathioprine tablets under medical supervision, and should ensure adequate rest.
During recovery, it is important to rest adequately, avoid overexertion, refrain from intense physical activity, and prioritize sufficient rest to support the healing process.
