How long should a burst blood vessel take to heal? Your comprehensive guide

October 2, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that a common sneeze can sometimes cause a blood vessel in your eye to burst? Understanding how long should a burst blood vessel take to heal is essential, as the recovery period is highly dependent on the location and severity of the rupture.

Quick Summary

Most minor burst blood vessels, such as subconjunctival hemorrhages in the eye or everyday bruises, typically resolve on their own within one to two weeks as the body reabsorbs the leaked blood. Healing time varies based on the burst's location and size, with larger instances taking longer and requiring patience.

Key Points

Healing time depends on the type: A burst blood vessel in the eye typically heals in 1-2 weeks, while a large bruise can take 2-4 weeks.
Minor issues heal naturally: Most minor cases, like small bruises and subconjunctival hemorrhages, resolve on their own without medical intervention.
R.I.C.E. can help external issues: For external bruising, rest, ice, compression, and elevation can help speed up the healing process, especially in the first 48 hours.
Warning signs require medical attention: Seek a doctor if symptoms like severe pain, excessive swelling, fever, vision changes, or bruising without cause appear.
Broken capillaries may be permanent: Tiny broken capillaries on the face might fade over several months or require cosmetic treatment to disappear completely.
Location matters for healing: Bruises on the legs tend to take longer to heal than those on the face or arms due to gravity.

Understanding the Healing Process

When a blood vessel bursts, blood leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing a visible mark like a bruise or a red spot in the eye. The healing process involves your body naturally reabsorbing this pooled blood. This is why the affected area changes colors over time—from an initial red or purplish-black to yellow or brown before fading completely.

Types of Burst Blood Vessels and Their Healing Timelines

The healing period for a burst blood vessel is not universal and depends heavily on its type and location.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (Burst Blood Vessel in the Eye)

This occurs when a small blood vessel breaks under the clear surface of the eye. It can be caused by straining or vigorous actions like coughing or sneezing..
Healing Time: The red spot is usually painless and clears up on its own in one to two weeks.. Lubricating eye drops can help with irritation..

Bruises (Ecchymosis)

Bruises result from trauma to small blood vessels under the skin..
Healing Time: Minor bruises generally heal within one to two weeks.. Larger bruises, or those on the legs, may take four weeks or more to fade..

Blown Veins (IV or Blood Draw)

This happens when a needle goes through a vein during medical procedures, causing blood to leak and form a bruise..
Healing Time: A blown vein is typically not serious and heals within 10 to 12 days..

Broken Capillaries (Telangiectasias)

These are tiny, visible blood vessels on the skin's surface, often on the face or legs..
Healing Time: These may not heal completely on their own. Smaller ones might fade over 3-6 months, but persistent ones often need cosmetic treatments like laser therapy..

What Influences Healing Time?

Healing speed can be affected by several factors:

Location: Areas with better blood flow or less gravity (like the face) may heal faster than areas like the legs..
Size and Severity: Larger ruptures with more leaked blood take longer to reabsorb. The initial injury's severity also matters.
Individual Health: Age, hydration, nutrition, and existing health issues can impact healing..
Medications: Blood thinners can increase bruising and slow healing..

Can You Speed Up Healing?

For external issues like bruises, some home care can help:

R.I.C.E. Method: For the first 24-48 hours, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Rest and elevate the limb if possible..
Warm Compress: After 48 hours, a warm compress can boost blood flow..
Topical Treatments: Some creams are anecdotally used for bruising, though evidence varies..
Gentle Movement: Light movement can improve circulation after the initial swelling subsides..

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most burst blood vessels are harmless, but some signs require a doctor's visit:

A burst blood vessel in the eye that lasts over two weeks, or is accompanied by pain, discharge, or vision changes..
Bruising that appears suddenly or without a clear cause, especially with fever, severe pain, or bleeding elsewhere..
A lump or pulsating mass at a bruise site..
Symptoms of internal bleeding, such as severe pain, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat..

Cleveland Clinic provides more detailed information on different types of bleeding into the skin and when to seek medical help.

Comparison of Healing Timelines


Type of Burst Blood Vessel	Typical Healing Time	Signs of Concern
Eye (Subconjunctival Hemorrhage)	1–2 weeks	Lingering > 2 weeks, pain, vision changes
Minor Bruises (Ecchymosis)	1–2 weeks	Spreading rapidly, appearing without cause
Large Bruises	2–4 weeks or longer	Severe swelling, intense pain
Blown Vein (IV)	10–12 days	Worsening pain, warmth, pus
Broken Capillaries (Face)	3–6 months to fade; potentially permanent	N/A (mostly cosmetic concern unless underlying condition)

Conclusion

The healing time for a burst blood vessel varies based on type, location, and severity. Minor cases usually resolve in one to two weeks with basic care, while more significant instances may take longer and require medical attention for concerning symptoms. Understanding the expected recovery and warning signs helps manage the condition effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

A burst blood vessel in the eye, known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, is usually harmless and resolves on its own within one to two weeks as the body reabsorbs the blood.

Yes, a bruise, or ecchymosis, is a type of burst blood vessel where blood leaks into the tissue under the skin. Minor bruises typically heal within one to two weeks, while larger ones can take longer.

For a bruise on your arm, applying a cold compress for the first 24-48 hours can reduce swelling. After that, a warm compress can improve circulation. Elevating the arm can also help.

A blown vein, caused by a needle during an IV, typically heals within 10 to 12 days. The bruise and swelling usually fade within a couple of weeks.

Broken capillaries on the face, or telangiectasias, are often permanent and may not heal naturally. While some minor ones can fade over months, most require cosmetic treatments like laser therapy to be removed.

You should see a doctor if a burst blood vessel in the eye lingers beyond two weeks, or if you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, fever, vision changes, or spontaneous bruising without injury.

Yes, medications, especially blood thinners like aspirin, can increase the likelihood of bruising and may prolong the healing time by affecting your body's clotting ability.