How long does it take for a popped blood vessel to go?

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

While a popped blood vessel, or subconjunctival hemorrhage, in the eye looks alarming, it is often harmless and will clear up on its own within one to two weeks. Knowing the type of burst blood vessel is the key to understanding how long does it take for a popped blood vessel to go and when to seek medical advice.

Quick Summary

The healing time for a popped blood vessel varies, with minor types like those in the eye typically resolving within one to two weeks, and bruises on the skin taking a few weeks. The timeframe depends heavily on the cause, size, and location of the rupture. Serious underlying conditions can also impact recovery, making a proper diagnosis important.

Key Points

Healing Varies: The healing time for a popped blood vessel ranges from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type and location.
Eye Vessels Clear Quickly: A popped blood vessel in the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage) is typically harmless and fades on its own within one to two weeks.
Bruises Take Longer: Bruises (ecchymosis) on the skin generally take two to three weeks to fully resolve.
Look for Underlying Cause: If you experience petechiae (pinpoint red spots) or frequent, unexplained bruising, consult a doctor to rule out underlying conditions.
Rest and Elevate: For skin bruises, rest, elevate the area, and use a cold pack in the first 48 hours to aid healing.
Seek Medical Advice for Severe Symptoms: See a doctor if you have severe symptoms like pain, vision changes, or signs of more serious issues.

The short answer: It depends

There is no single answer to how long does it take for a popped blood vessel to go because the term can refer to several different conditions. A tiny, harmless burst vessel in the eye will clear up much faster than a large bruise on the leg. The location, the cause of the rupture, and the size of the hemorrhage all influence the healing process. While many resolve on their own, some require medical attention, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Healing times for common types

For a popped blood vessel, the recovery period depends on its nature. Here is a breakdown of the most common types and their typical healing windows.

Popped blood vessel in the eye (Subconjunctival Hemorrhage)

This common and often harmless condition appears as a bright red spot on the white of the eye. It is caused by minor trauma, coughing, sneezing, or straining. The blood is trapped beneath the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the eye.

Healing Time: One to two weeks. The blood is reabsorbed by the body gradually, similar to a bruise. You may notice the color changing from red to orange and yellow as it fades.
What to Do: Generally, no treatment is necessary. Artificial tears can help with any accompanying irritation or itchiness.

Bruises on the skin (Ecchymosis)

When small blood vessels under the skin break due to an injury, the leaking blood causes a bruise. The healing process involves the body breaking down and reabsorbing the blood over time, causing the characteristic color changes.

Healing Time: Two to three weeks. The duration depends on the size and location of the bruise, with larger bruises taking longer to fade completely.
What to Do: For the first 48 hours, applying an ice pack to the area for 10 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling and bleeding. Elevating the injured limb can also be beneficial.

Pinpoint spots (Petechiae)

Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint red or brown spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries. Unlike a rash, they do not lose color when you press on them. They can be caused by medications, infections, or straining.

Healing Time: Depends on the underlying cause. If a virus or bacterial infection is responsible, the spots will clear up once the infection resolves with appropriate medical treatment. If medication is the cause, they should disappear after stopping the drug.
What to Do: It's important to have a doctor identify the cause, as it can be a sign of a more serious condition.

Blown veins from needles

A blown vein occurs when a needle punctures through a vein, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. This often happens during a blood draw or IV insertion.

Healing Time: A few days to a couple of weeks. The bruise and tenderness will typically subside within this period.
What to Do: Apply pressure immediately after the needle is removed and use a cold pack to minimize bruising and swelling.

When to see a doctor

While most popped blood vessels are harmless, certain signs and symptoms warrant a medical professional's evaluation. You should see a doctor if:

The condition is accompanied by pain, swelling, or vision changes.
You experience frequent, unexplained episodes of popped blood vessels.
The condition occurs after a significant head or eye injury.
You have other symptoms like severe headache, confusion, or weakness.
You are taking blood-thinning medication and notice unusual bruising or bleeding.

Comparison of popped blood vessel types


Type of Popped Blood Vessel	Location	Common Causes	Typical Healing Time
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage	Eye	Coughing, sneezing, straining, minor trauma	1–2 weeks
Ecchymosis	Skin (Bruise)	Injury, trauma	2–3 weeks
Petechiae	Skin (Pinpoint spots)	Infection, medication, strain	Varies; depends on cause
Blown Vein	Vein from needle	Improper needle insertion, fragile veins	Few days to 2 weeks

Factors influencing healing

Several factors can affect how long it takes for a popped blood vessel to heal, including:

Age: As we age, our blood vessels become more fragile, potentially leading to longer healing times.
Medications: Certain medications, especially blood thinners like warfarin, can increase the risk of bruising and potentially slow the healing process.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure can impact blood vessel health and, in turn, healing. Bleeding disorders or immune conditions can also be a factor.
Injury Severity: A larger rupture or more significant trauma will naturally require more time for the body to repair and reabsorb the blood.

What to do while it heals

For minor popped blood vessels, patience and simple care are often all that is needed. For those affecting the eye, the Mayo Clinic advises against rubbing your eye during the healing process. For skin bruises, rest and elevation are beneficial. The body is remarkably efficient at healing these minor ruptures on its own, so the best course of action is to let it do its job.

Conclusion

Understanding how long does it take for a popped blood vessel to go depends on understanding the specific type of hemorrhage. While most minor ruptures in the eye or under the skin resolve within a few weeks, it's crucial to be aware of the signs that may indicate a more serious underlying issue. When in doubt, consulting a healthcare professional is always the safest approach to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if symptoms are concerning or unexplained.

Frequently Asked Questions

A popped blood vessel in the eye, known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, is a burst capillary under the eye's surface. While it looks alarming, it is usually harmless and clears up on its own in one to two weeks, with no specific treatment needed.

A bruise, or ecchymosis, typically takes two to three weeks to heal. The healing process involves a change in color, from red/purple to green, yellow, and finally brown, as the body reabsorbs the blood.

The healing time for petechiae depends on the cause. If caused by a minor strain, they may fade quickly. However, if they are from an underlying infection or medication, they will only resolve once the root cause is treated. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause.

For minor cases like eye hemorrhages, there is no way to speed up the process; the body must reabsorb the blood naturally. For bruises on the skin, applying a cold compress in the first 48 hours can help manage swelling, but it won't drastically speed up healing.

Most popped blood vessels are minor, but you should seek medical attention if it's accompanied by severe pain, vision loss, or if you also experience severe headaches, weakness, or unexplained bleeding elsewhere.

Yes, high blood pressure is a risk factor for popped blood vessels, particularly subconjunctival hemorrhages in the eye. Monitoring and controlling your blood pressure can help prevent these episodes.

A 'blown' vein means the needle went through the vein, causing it to rupture and leak blood. This results in bruising and soreness, but it is typically a minor injury that heals within a few days to two weeks.