Concerns about thread veins/broken veins

[frilly]

Hi folks,

I've had a few fine broken veins (thread veins) on my face for years - I was always told this was due to smoking, i.e. nicotine related.

Since I started vaping I've noticed an increase in the number of broken veins with many tiny new ones appearing, particularly around my nose and cheeks.

Of course, it could just be my age (54) but I am somewhat concerned.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Frilly

[Pepperty]

I have some faint thread veins, they certainly haven't got worse in the 7 months I've been vaping instead of smoking. so, for me, no problem.

[padiho]

May 16, 2014 13:59:47 GMT frilly said:

Hi folks,

I've had a few fine broken veins (thread veins) on my face for years - I was always told this was due to smoking, i.e. nicotine related.

Since I started vaping I've noticed an increase in the number of broken veins with many tiny new ones appearing, particularly around my nose and cheeks.

Of course, it could just be my age (54) but I am somewhat concerned.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Frilly

Sorry but it's probably age related. I had a couple cauterised in my 50s. Was told by consultant it is age related. He knew I smoked at the time but didn't say it was relevant ( let's face it they usually blame everything on smoking nowadays if they can. I .injured my ankle once and Doc blamed smoking for that!!!)

[ausfost]

hi Frilly, not experienced this myself but have you made any other changes? diet and alcohol can cause this too. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, it constricts the blood vessels and increases blood pressure, i am no expert but i have heard the delivery of nicotine via an e cig is not as effective as with a cigarette so this could lead to your small capillaries becoming more dilated hence more thread veins.

There is also a study by a Dr Kersey (not finalised yet so info is limited) he stated: "Although smoking would seem to discourage flushing as it acts to constrict the blood vessels, recent studies have shown that nicotine, acting in receptors on the cells that line blood vessels, can cause new blood vessels to form in the skin. This is a process known as neo-vascularization, and can induce the networking of capillaries."

It may even be Rosacea

Go visit your GP again or there are herbal remedies you may want to try such as Witch Hazel, lemon juice applied with a cotton bud to affected area sparingly (as vitamin c helps promote collagen production) before you try anything do some research have a good look around as there is lots of "Quackery" out there. good luck

[frilly]

Thanks for the replies...

I've been googling and have discovered the following for anyone who is interested:
1. It's not known exactly what causes thread veins but there are some known triggers. The main ones seem to be sun, alcohol and hormones (such as HRT or the Pill.)
2. Lots of people have them - they are essentially harmless.
3. There is a genetic factor so if your mum had them, tough luck!
4. Laser or a new thermo treatment can remove them completely.
5. Fruit and veg help cos of the effect vitamins have.

Interestingly, I didn't see a mention of nicotine which is the important thing here - I'd hate to find my vaping habit is making things worse.

I don't drink much and stay out of the sun but my mum has thread veins and I'm on HRT so those are probably my main triggers. Fortunately they're not bad - the laser treatment looks very scary (and is no doubt v expensive) so I guess it's back to Touche Eclat
(Apologies for the fact this post has more to do with skincare than vaping...)

Frilly