Varicose veins and spider veins can impact more than just your physical appearance. These veins can be quite painful. If you have them, you may be at risk for complications like open sores or blood clots on your legs.
The internet is awash in advice on getting rid of spider veins, so you’ve probably already tried a few of them. Ginger tea, massage, and even exercise were suggested home remedies.
Truth be told, all of them are useless. If you have visible veins, there is little you can do at home about it.
Many of the underlying reasons for these visible veins cannot be prevented. They may even be an indication of an even more serious vein condition that no home treatment is likely to solve.
See a dermatologist if you’re serious about eradicating your spider veins for good.
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What are spider veins?
Damaged veins are the cause of varicose and spider veins. When the small, one-way valves in our veins deteriorate, we get them. These valves only allow blood vessels to flow in one way toward our heart in healthy veins.
As a result, the vein becomes clogged with blood that has flowed in the wrong direction. The vein walls are put under more strain when more blood is in the vein.
Continual pressure weakens and expands the vein walls. A spider or varicose vein will eventually appear on the skin’s surface.
What causes veins to be more visible?
These veins are more common in some people. If you have a family history of them, you’re more likely to get them. Those who sit or stand for lengthy amounts of time daily are at higher risk of developing the condition.
In addition, these veins are increasingly prevalent as people age and as pregnancies progress.
Other causes of spider veins include exposure to the sun or hormonal shifts as well as an accident.
How to prevent spider veins?
To avoid varicose and spider veins, you can take the following preventive measures:
- Vein strength, blood circulation, and leg strength can all be improved via regular exercise.
- Avoid putting undue strain on your legs by keeping your weight under control.
- Make sure you don’t cross your legs while sitting or relaxing.
- Wear compression stockings to improve circulation.
- Try elevating your legs
- Standing for lengthy periods is not recommended.
Best spider vein treatment
Although spider veins are typically not harmful, some people may find them bothersome and want them treated or removed for aesthetic reasons.
There are a variety of treatment options to choose from:
Sclerotherapy
This treatment includes injecting an irritating substance directly into an inflamed vein. When the vein walls get inflamed, they clump together and prevent blood flow into the region.
Sclerotherapy can lessen edema and shrink the vein. You may notice the spider vein gradually fades or disappears over time. To get the desired outcome, you may need one or more treatments.
Closure system
A chemical similar to sclerotherapy is injected into the veins to close them. The spider vein fades or disappears over time due to the sticky nature of this material.
Endovenous laser ablation
This may be used in conjunction with sclerotherapy to achieve the best outcomes. People afraid of needles may find an alternative in this procedure, which employs a laser to target and destroy the blood artery in question, causing it to shrink.
Scarring, blisters, and skin discoloration are all possible side effects of a procedure like this.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy
This is a newer treatment for spider veins. IPL uses a variety of light bands to target specific locations with short pulses of energy.
Surgery
Your doctor may recommend surgery if your spider veins are particularly big or severe. It can take a variety of forms:
Surgical ligation and stripping. This procedure is used for more prominent spider veins. Small incisions are made in the skin to close and remove the troublesome veins from the leg.
Up to one month is required for a full recovery. Veins that are in good health take over the usual blood flow.
Ambulatory phlebectomy. This procedure eliminates the superficial veins. Doctors use hooks to remove the vein from the leg by making tiny wounds in the skin. There are only a few little scars left after the doctor removes the vein.
When to see a doctor?
Even if spider veins aren’t life-threatening, you should see your doctor or dermatologist to get an examination. If you’re concerned about the appearance of spider veins or if they cause you discomfort, treatments are available.
If the skin or veins appear abnormal, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Other red flags include:
- Bleeding
- Discoloration
- Red or hot to the touch
- Painful
- Swollen
Many people suffer from spider veins daily. For the vast majority of the population, spider veins do not pose a significant health risk. Symptoms can be alleviated and prevented from worsening with lifestyle modifications.
See if there are any safe, minimally invasive options for treating your spider veins that you may discuss with your doctor.
Are you overwhelmed with so many options?
Spider veins can be treated in many ways, from preventing them from worsening to using novel laser treatments to remove them entirely.
The most important thing we’d like you to know is that we will respond to all of your inquiries.
As a matter of fact, we encourage it! We aim to see you taking an active role in your health care, and we think that information is power. Contact Team Dermatology now to learn more.
