Red Spider Veins

Q: About a month ago I noticed these little red veins starting to appear along either side of my nose. I'm not doing anything new or different. I clean and moisturize my face at least twice a day, and I haven't changed my skin care routine in years.

Whatever the cause, they look horrible, and more seem to pop up every day! What are they, and how can I make my skin look normal again?

Dr. Donnica: These red "spider veins" or telangiectasias on the side of the nose are generally early signs of aging, sun-damage, previous trauma or other factors. Cleansing and moisturizing don't usually affect them. These facial vessels are dilated capillaries (tiny blood vessels) that commonly appear superficially in areas around the nose, cheeks and above the neckline.

Diffuse redness can also be associated with this condition. Your treatment options really depend upon how much these are bothering you cosmetically. The good news is that this condition has no medical consequences.

You may want to try a good cosmetic cover-up. There are also corrective, anti-inflammatory products available such as Dr. Perricone's Anti Spider-Vein Face - High Potency or Reviva's Vitamin K Cream, which claim to be able to reduce the appearance of facial spider veins by increasing the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Visible results can be seen after 8 weeks of continuous use. If the cosmetic appearance continues to bother you, you may also wish to consider laser therapy treatments.

Created: 12/4/2003  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.