Varicose veins and varicose veins occur due to weakness or damage to the veins. Varicose veins are usually larger, but both are visible externally. Both usually appear on the legs.
Spider veins can be blue, purple or red. They can appear in the form of thin lines, webs or branches. People sometimes refer to them as thread veins. Typically, it is
A number of treatment options can remove spider veins or reduce their appearance.
This article discusses the causes of spider veins, also known as telangiectases, and how they differ from varicose veins. We also cover spider vein treatment and prevention.
On the legs, spider veins
Veins carry blood back to the heart. To prevent blood from flowing backwards, they contain a one-way valve that closes once blood has passed through it.
If this valve becomes weak or damaged, blood may have difficulty flowing in the right direction and may begin to pool within the vein. Over time, this can cause the branching vein to swell, resulting in spider veins.
Spider veins on the face are often the result of tiny blood vessels bursting. Increased stress or sun damage can cause these.
Varicose veins and varicose veins are different forms of a medical condition called venous insufficiency. Both conditions result from weakened or damaged valves in the veins in the legs. However, the two issues have
Spider veins are usually small, thin lines that may be flat or slightly raised. They are often blue, red or purple. Although they may cause some discomfort, they are painless most of the time.
Varicose veins they are larger and deeper than spider veins. They may appear lumpy or twisted.
Depending on their severity, varicose veins can cause a variety of symptoms. These may include:
Varicose veins can also increase a person’s risk for blood clots and circulation problems.
Factors that can increase the risk of spider veins include:
- Genetics: Until 90% of people with spider veins have a family history of them.
- Pregnancy: Increased blood flow and the extra weight of the fetus in the leg veins during pregnancy can cause spider veins.
- Sex: Spider veins appear in 41% women aged 50 and over. They tend to affect females
almost twice as much as males. - Age: Valves in veins tend to weaken over time. The calf muscles, which help support the veins in the legs and allow them to pump blood upward, may also lose some of their strength as a person ages.
- Being overweight: Extra body weight can put extra pressure on leg veins.
- Hormones: Hormonal birth control and hormonal treatments for menopause can increase the risk of spider veins. This is because estrogen can weaken the venous valves.
- Sitting or standing for prolonged periods: The veins in the legs have to work harder to pump blood to the heart when a person remains in the same position for more than
4 hours . - Previous blood clots or vein damage: This can damage the valves and prevent them from working properly.
- Excessive pressure on the face: This may be due to a strong cough, sneeze or vomiting. Some people may develop spider veins on their face after pushing during labor.
- Sun damage: UV radiation from the sun can damage the skin and cause broken blood vessels or spider veins, especially on the face.
Although generally harmless, spider veins can cause discomfort. Some people may also wish to have them trimmed or removed for cosmetic reasons.
There are several treatment options that a person can try:
Compression socks or stockings
Wearing compression stockings or socks puts pressure on the veins in the lower legs. This pressure can help improve blood flow and prevent further spider or varicose veins.
Compression stockings can also help relieve leg swelling and reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs.
Types of compression stockings include:
- Support Tights: These only provide light pressure, but are available in many stores.
- Compression socks and stockings: These provide moderate pressure around the feet, ankles and calves. They are often available in specialty stores and pharmacies.
- Prescription Compression Stockings: These provide the most pressure on the legs and feet. They are available in various sizes and strengths, as well as legless varieties. Prescription compression stockings are not suitable for some people, including those who have heart failure or other heart problems.
Sclerotherapy and closure system
Sclerotherapy involves injecting an irritant directly into the affected vein. Due to irritation, the veins stick together and prevent blood from flowing to the area.
This process can reduce swelling and cause the vein to constrict. Over time, the spider vein weakens or disappears. It may take several treatments to achieve the desired result.
Similar to sclerotherapy, closure system therapy involves injecting a substance into the affected veins. This substance is sticky and closes off the vein from blood flow, causing the spider vein to fade or disappear over time.
As with sclerotherapy, a person may need several treatments to get the desired result.
Laser treatment
A healthcare professional may use a laser to treat small spider veins near the surface of the skin. The laser is a strong, focused beam of light that causes the spider vein to clot and dry up.
Laser treatments are
Intravenous laser therapy (EVLT)
EVLT is a newer procedure for treating spider veins and small varicose veins.
A healthcare professional makes a small incision in the affected vein and then inserts a laser fiber. The laser applies heat directly to the vein and causes it to collapse. The vein may take several months or up to a year to disappear.
EVLT involves the use of local anesthesia.
Surgery
Although some surgical treatments may be effective for
Certain lifestyle changes and self-care tips can help prevent new spider veins from developing or stop existing ones from getting worse. These include:
- Wearing sunscreen: Applying sunscreen daily can help prevent spider veins, especially on the face. Use sunscreen hats and clothing when outdoors for extended periods.
- Achieving or maintaining a moderate weight: This helps reduce the pressure on the veins and keeps the blood flowing well.
- Wearing compression stockings: If spider veins or varicose veins are a concern or run in the family, consider wearing compression stockings or socks.
- Stay mobile: Avoid sitting or standing for long periods without taking a break.
- Avoiding tight clothing: Clothing that is too tight around the waist, legs, or pelvis can restrict blood flow and may increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Avoiding excessive use of hot tubs and saunas: Excessive heat can cause the veins to swell, increasing the risk of dilated and bulging veins in the legs.
- Limiting alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can cause facial flushing and broken blood vessels in some people.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity can help improve circulation and prevent blood pooling in the legs.
- Leg lift: Elevating the legs when sitting or lying down can prevent blood from pooling down in the legs.
- Contact a dermatologist: People with skin conditions that may increase their risk of spider veins, such as rosacea, may want to contact a doctor or dermatologist to discuss treatment options.
- Use of coverage products: If the appearance of spider veins is a concern, people may want to use body or leg makeup to temporarily cover or minimize them. Self-tanning products can also work for this purpose.
Spider veins result from damaged veins or ruptured blood vessels. They are usually painless and do not cause health problems, but some people may wish to treat them for cosmetic reasons.
A variety of treatment options can help improve the appearance of spider veins or eliminate them altogether. For medical procedures, it is always necessary to consult a licensed healthcare professional specializing in dermatology, vein care, or cosmetic or plastic surgery.
