Spider veins are small twisted veins that twist and turn and are easily visible through the skin. They mostly appear as red, purple, or blue vessels on the legs, but they can also form on your face. Most people with Aventura spider veins seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, but sometimes the problem can cause bothersome symptoms such as itching and a burning sensation. The good news is that spider veins are usually not a severe problem, and simple treatments such as wearing compression stockings can reduce their appearance.
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins occur when the valves in the veins weaken or get damaged, allowing some blood to flow back into the veins. Usually, valves open to allow blood to flow to the heart and close to prevent its back flow; however, when valves are weak or damaged, some blood accumulates in the veins. When this happens, the veins enlarge and twist, appearing close to your skin surface. Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins, but both of them share the exact cause. Below are variables that increase your risk of varicose veins.
- Sex. Women are more susceptible to spider veins due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause and before menstrual periods. These hormonal changes cause the vein walls to relax, causing spider veins. Using hormonal birth control methods such as oral contraceptives also increases the risk of spider veins and varicose veins.
- Age. As you advance in age, most body structures, including valves, undergo structural changes. For instance, the wear and tear on the valves cause them to become weak, allowing some blood to flow back into your veins.
- Family history. You are more likely to develop spider veins if a close relative such as your child, sibling, or parent has the same problem.
- Pregnancy. The Blood volume in your body increases during pregnancy to support the growth and development of the fetus. While this is important, it can also enlarge the veins in your legs.
- Obesity. Excess body weight puts extra pressure on the veins in your legs, weakening your valves. If you are obese, your healthcare provider may recommend losing extra pounds and staying within your ideal weight to prevent spider veins and other health problems such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Treatment of spider veins
Compression stockings
Wearing compression stockings or socks improves blood circulation by exerting pressure on the veins in the lower legs. There are different types of compression stockings; your doctor may prescribe them for you, or you can purchase them in a medical store. Prescription compression stockings provide the most pressure and come in different sizes and designs. However, your healthcare provider may caution against prescription compression stockings if you have heart problems.
Sclerotherapy
For this treatment, your doctor injects a solution into the affected veins; this solution irritates the veins, causing them to shut or clump together, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. Over time, the spider veins fade away, but you may need several treatments to achieve the desired results.
Other procedures used to treat spider veins include laser treatment and endovenous laser therapy.
If you need to get rid of the unsightly appearance of spider veins, visit your doctor at Soffer Health Institute for treatment.
