Stalling Spider Veins
You notice small patches of red, purple and blue bruising along the inner thigh. Each patch looks like a distinctive web. Blessedly, it doesn’t cause pain. You probably have spider veins.
Spider veins are darker, smaller veins that look like spider webs but do not protrude like varicose veins. Spider veins appear towards the surface of the skin whereas varicose veins appear deeper and have a three-dimensional appearance.
Sometimes spider veins may be indicative of an underlying problem that may become a concern later. Spider veins can lead to bigger varicose veins and symptoms such as pain, swelling, and in the worst case, ulcers of the leg.
Spider veins are a sign that there are abnormalities in the deeper veins of the leg. Those deeper veins have little valves in them. Blood in the veins of the legs is returning from the legs to the heart. When we are sitting or standing, gravity is pulling the blood downward, away from the heart. The valves prevent gravity from doing that.
As we get older, the valves become less effective. The extra blood that gravity pulls down into the leg veins, causes the pressure in the veins to rise. Ultimately, that increased pressure swells the tiny veins beneath the skin, leading to spider veins.
Spider veins are most common on thighs, ankles and calves. The condition is more prevalent among women than men. Spider veins may be permanent or they may disappear on their own, especially if they are caused by pregnancy or certain medications.
There are many potential causes of spider veins but the condition is about 80 percent hereditary. Other influences may include multiple pregnancies, weight gain, occupations that involve standing for long periods of time, a history of blood clots, postmenopausal hormone replacement and the use of birth control pills.
These veins result from burst blood vessels or damaged veins, which are painless. They do not cause health problems though some people are bothered from a cosmetic standpoint. It is possible to improve the appearance of spider veins or remove them altogether.
Managing the appearance of spider webs and preventing them from getting worse is possible.
The two most common cosmetic procedures used to get rid of spider veins are sclerotherapy and laser treatment. Sclerotherapy involves having a salt solution injected directly into the affected area. This liquid causes irritation and inflammation of the vein, leading to its collapse. The area may be tender for a few days. Any bruising should fade over a few weeks. Sclerotherapy may require multiple treatments. The injections can be slightly painful. What’s more, you should avoid sun exposure after the procedure because it can cause increased pigmentation.
Laser treatment directs pulses from a laser light to the spider veins, causing tiny blood clots to form. The blood vessels that form the legs of the “spider” become blocked off and are reabsorbed by the body.
Each treatment has its pros and cons. Sclerotherapy is better for larger veins, but it involves needles and injections. Laser therapy may be good for smaller veins, but it may result in the loss of skin pigment. In studies comparing the treatments, sclerotherapy is more likely to be successful. It is normal for the veins to get worse before getting better.
Maintaining your weight and staying physically fit tend to reduce the pressure inside the leg veins. Wearing support hose can further protect against the development of more spider veins.
If you are interested in either of the procedures should speak with your physician who could refer you to a vascular surgeon. You might find it well worth it, to improve the appearance of your legs and enhance your self-esteem.
