You may suddenly find that your veins are appearing under your skin as small spider-web-like sections in either blue, red, or purple patches. These dilated veins that appear to be so close to the surface are called spider veins.
While these noticeable veins can be found in both men and women they are far more common in middle-aged women, especially those who spend a significant amount of time on their feet. Moreover, men who suffer from spider veins generally have a less cosmetic concern about veins as they often have leg hair to conceal the veins.
Spider veins can occur in women as early as their 20’sbut are much more common in women in their 40s and above. Adding to the reasons for women being more prone to spider vein development are hormonal changes that result from menopause, pregnancy, and the use of birth control.
Furthermore, a genetic predisposition can increase the chances of developing spider veins. Spider veins are usually found in the legs, but they can also be found on the face and elsewhere on the body.
Treatment for Spider Veins
The most common treatment for spider veins is known as sclerotherapy. This method is generally used for the treatment of spider veins in the legs and not used for veins affecting the face.
During this treatment, a special injection is injected into the patient's veins. The solution causes the walls of the dilated veins to stick together and the blood to clot. If you are nervous about treatment, please consider that one injection is needed per one square inch of spider veins.
Following this type of treatment, usually performed in one to two sessions, veins fade away within weeks to a month. For small patches of spider veins or veins on the face, lasers or electrical needles are used for treatment.
As with any treatment that will lead to surgery, there are some risks attached. The following should be acknowledged and discussed with your doctor before treatment- the chances of bleeding, poor healing of injection site, bruising, scarring, and the need for further corrective therapy.
Home Remedies for Spider Veins
In addition to surgical treatment, there are home remedies that can help prevent, but not cure, spider veins. These home remedies for spider veins include:
1. Losing weight (less pressure on your veins)
2. Wearing special compression stockings that offer venous support but are not too tight
3. Exercising regularly.
Even if your spider veins are only a cosmetic issue to start with, it’s best to get them treated before they have a chance to develop further. Should you decide that you need treatment for your spider veins, the initial step to take would be to make an appointment with your vein care specialist to pick out a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Comments
Post a Comment