What are the symptoms of capillary dilation?

Sep 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, telangiectasia refers to abnormal dilation and thickening of small blood vessels on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. Typical symptoms mainly include the appearance of thread-like or net-like red blood vessels on the skin, occurrence in specific areas, gradual worsening of symptoms over time, usually no obvious subjective discomfort, and exacerbation of symptoms after exposure to stimuli. After the appearance of telangiectasia symptoms, daily attention should be paid to proper skin protection.

Capillary dilation generally refers to the abnormal expansion and thickening of small blood vessels on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. Typical symptoms mainly include thread-like or net-like red blood vessels on the skin, predilection for specific body areas, symptoms becoming more apparent over time, usually no obvious subjective discomfort, and worsening of symptoms after exposure to certain stimuli. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Thread-like or Net-like Red Blood Vessels on the Skin: Patients may develop clearly visible abnormal vascular patterns on the skin's surface, mostly appearing red or purplish-red, with various morphologies, including thread-like, net-like, star-like, or branch-like patterns. The vessel diameters are generally fine, typically measuring 1 to 3 millimeters.

2. Predilection for Specific Body Areas: Symptoms are commonly concentrated in exposed areas such as the face, neck, and chest, with the face being the most frequently affected region. The cheeks, alae nasi, forehead, and chin are particularly common sites. Some patients may also develop symptoms on limbs such as the arms and legs.

3. Symptoms Become More Apparent Over Time: The symptoms of capillary dilation typically do not appear suddenly but develop slowly over time. In the early stages, only a few fine, barely noticeable red blood vessels may be present. As time progresses, the number and thickness of the red blood vessels increase, and their distribution may expand.

4. Usually No Noticeable Subjective Discomfort: Most patients exhibit only cosmetic skin abnormalities without obvious symptoms such as pain, itching, or burning sensations. The skin texture remains similar to unaffected areas, with no flaking, redness, swelling, or exudation. Therefore, some patients may not notice symptoms until they have progressed to a certain degree.

5. Worsening of Symptoms After Exposure to Stimuli: When the skin is subjected to specific stimuli, symptoms of capillary dilation may temporarily worsen. For example, exposure to high temperatures, emotional excitement, alcohol consumption, eating spicy foods, or alternating hot and cold stimuli may cause further vascular dilation, resulting in darker red blood vessels and a more pronounced appearance.

After the onset of capillary dilation, it is important to take proper care of the skin in daily life. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided, and alternating hot and cold stimulation should be minimized. Mild skincare products should be selected, and irritating products should be avoided, which can help slow the progression of symptoms and maintain skin stability.

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How to Repair Dilated Capillaries

In general, capillary dilation may be caused by long-term sun exposure, temperature changes (hot or cold), hormonal fluctuations, rosacea, cirrhosis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and proceed with general treatments or medication under a doctor's guidance to promote recovery. In daily life, avoid frequent exfoliation and the use of irritating skincare products to reduce skin damage.

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What causes capillary dilation?

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of capillary dilation include environmental irritation, aging, rosacea, cirrhosis, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should avoid frequent temperature changes that stimulate the skin, reduce intake of spicy foods, and maintain gentle cleansing and a moderate temperature for the skin.

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How to treat telangiectasia and broken capillaries

In general, dilated capillaries and visible blood vessels may be caused by long-term sun exposure, frequent temperature changes (hot and cold stimuli), severe damage to the skin barrier, hormonal fluctuations, rosacea, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatments and medication under a physician's guidance. Daily skincare should avoid frequent exfoliation and ensure thorough cleansing of the skin after wearing makeup.

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What to do about senile telangiectasia

Senile telangiectasia may be caused by factors such as aging, long-term sun exposure, skin barrier damage, hypertension, and cirrhosis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment and medication under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain a light diet, reduce intake of high-salt and high-fat foods, and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and vitamin E.