What causes broken capillaries on shins and how do I keep them from reoccurring?

Hello
junbug86, thank you for your question. This is hard to determine without seeing
you for a physical examination or seeing photos. I would suggest you visit your
internist. Veins in the legs can be an indication of deeper problems.
Superficial veins on the legs are like an iceberg, there may be bigger problems
underneath the skin than are visible at the surface. If the veins are tall and
look like spider webs, these are called spider veins and are considered
“cosmetic”. These can be treated with injectables or lasers. If the veins are bigger and deeper and are
purple in color, there may be a deeper vein problem. If you have a family
history of varicose veins, have to stand a long time at work, or have a lot of
leg swelling, then you should have these looked into more thoroughly. If you
are deemed to have abnormal varicose veins that are problematic, then you may
benefit from a surgical procedure. The procedure entails a needle being
inserted into the vein, and the laser is threaded into and turned on, which
then cauterizes the vein from the inside out, causing the vein to collapse and
scar. The procedure takes about 30 minutes on each leg. The patient is allowed
to return back to work the day after treatment.



If you
have any questions feel free to contact my office. Good luck.



Sincerely,


J.
Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Our office is the leading spider vein and varicose vein center in Los Angeles. Spider veins on the legs can be treated with a combination of laser and injection sclerotherapy.  Best, DR. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

The most important is to establish the underlying venous pathology and associated risk factors by having a complete evaluation by a qualified physician. The treatment will be determined by the type of  venous vasculopathy you have. Prevention measures will depend on presence and type of your risk factors (genetic, pronged standing, habitual heavy lifting, certain medical condition or surgery in the past ect.) Good luck!

In this area (the shins) most patients present with varicose veins and spider veins and treatment follows evaluation for truncal venous insufficiency with Doppler ultrassound (Duplex) scanning. Once this is excluded, sclerotherapy is ideal and sometimes topical laser will treat them adequately. 

Broken skin capillaries can be due to multiple factors including genetics, trauma hormones, aging and even sun exposure.  If you have other veins besides capillaries then you should have a full venous evaluation including a venous reflux ultrasound.  You should see a vein doctor.