RED VEINS AND ROSEACEA

FINDING THE CAUSE

WHAT CAUSES DILATED CAPILARIES/RED VEINS?
Spider veins (telangiectasia or venulectasias) are enlarged veins near the skin surface that appear purple, red, or blue. The condition is caused when capillaries expand and rupture into the epidermal surface. The blood becomes trapped and appears as a tiny network of veins – these can be minor or cover large areas. Cheeks and nose are the most common areas, but they also appear on all areas of the body.

Who is likely to get it?
Spider veins affect mostly women, although it can also occur in men. Spider vein mattings do not fade.  Exposure to the sun’s UV rays, wind or extreme temperatures, steroid creams, hormonal changes during pregnancy and radiography have all been recognized as causes. Some individuals however, are more prone to thread veins for genetic reasons.

What causes it?
For some, prominent facial veins are caused by rosacea. This condition is marked by numerous red spider veins in the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin, and is sometimes accompanied by acne breakouts. Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, it seems that alcohol and spicy food consumption, as well as stress, may play a role.  Chronic sun exposure can also cause spider veins, as well as other forms of skin damage such as wrinkles, freckles, moles, and skin cancer. Trauma, such as bruising, can also lead to spider veins.  In some people with chronic allergies and inherited predisposition to vein conditions, repetitive sneezing and coughing can lead to enlargement of veins around the nose and below the nostrils. Bouts of violent vomiting can also create enough pressure to cause spider veins to form in the cheecks.

WHAT IS ROSACEA?
A common disorder affecting facial skin. Its most persistent feature is a bright red flush.   Enlargement of the nose is more common in males. Also, along with thicker skin, the oil glands of the face enlarge and are more active giving an oily appearance. Swelling of the face may be present, along with stinging of the cheeks, forehead and ears. Things, which make this condition worse, are hot liquids, sun and/or wind exposure, spicy foods extreme temperatures, alcohol, stress, and prescription topical steroids.

Who is likely to get it?
People affected are usually in the 35 – 50 range of age, most are females, but the severity is generally greater in males. Fair skinned people are more often affected.  People who drink hot liquids, get to much sun and/or wind exposure, eat extremely spicy foods, consume alcohol, have high stress, and use prescription topical steroids have a greater risk.  In this earliest stage, some patients may report stinging or burning sensations, including the feeling of dry or tight skin.

FINDING WHAT WORKS

WHAT DOES LIVING NATURE RECOMMEND FOR DILATED CAPILARIES/RED VEINS?
Living Nature recommends using the Hydrating & Vitalising Toning Gel because it forms a protective layer of moisture on the skin, keeping the skin hydrated. The extra layer also helps the body maintain its temperature more readily so you're not getting such a dramatic change in temperature on the surface of the skin. This way the capillaries don't saffuse with blood and stops the tendency to come to the surface. The Rich Hydrating Gel Mask is also good as it has the plant Kopata as an active ingredient, which helps work on surface capillaries.

Permanent treatment needs to be done by a thermologist or an appearance doctor who will quarterise the pigmentation with a thermolysis probe. Normally a 15 mins treatment (which is quite uncomfortable) is not a bad treatment to have as it permanently reduces the capillaries (redveins, tulantutesia, spider nevi), depending on the severity. You'd want to consult your doctor for details.

WHAT WOULD BE THE MAIN THING TO DO WITH DILATED CAPILARIES?
If it is just broken thread veins then the emphasis is on calming and soothing the area while re-enforcing the little capillaries walls.  Some research suggest products with bilberry or rasberry extracts. It would be wise to use a daily protective product is necessary to help prevent future thread veins from appearing and is especially important for people who enjoy outdoor activities. We recommend Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer 30.  SPF30 would be an appropriate level or above. Dermatologist also suggest laser surgery.

WHAT CAN I DO IF ITS ACNE ROSACEA?
If acne rosacea is the problem then there is usually an abundance of oil, which needs to be removed from clogged pores.

WHAT CAN I DO IF ITS ROSACEA?
Rosacea may be persistent and worsen over time, leading to permanent changes in appearance and affecting self-esteem. The condition is treatable. Most cases can be controlled easily by avoiding factors that trigger flushing, using sun protection, and by keeping the body well hydrated with water. Reduce alcohol, stop smoking, reduce trigger foods, etc.

ARE THERE OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS THAT RESEMBLE ROSACEA?
Acne, psoriasis, eczema atopic dermatitis and has caused some confusion to both dermatologist and patients.

RESOURCES

http://www.venarin.com and others

http://www.internationalrosaceafoundation.org/