Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small blood vessels on the skin. They are usually harmless and often don’t cause any symptoms. However, they can be unsightly and sometimes painful. This blog will discuss what causes them and how to treat them.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small, superficial veins that appear on the surface of the skin. They’re usually blue or purple veins in colour and can be found anywhere on the body, but most commonly appear on the legs. Spider veins may be accompanied by varicose veins, which are larger and deeper than spider veins.
Are spider veins dangerous?
You should know that while spider veins are not dangerous to you or your health, they can be very painful. If you have a painful spider vein on or near your penis, you must talk to your doctor about it. They might suggest medicines and creams that can help reduce the pain associated with these veins.
What causes them?
Sometimes, varicose veins are genetic. Other times, they can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, lack of exercise, and poor circulation. In some cases, it might be a deficiency in vitamin C.
In addition to being a sign of ageing or other health problems such as diabetes and obesity, spider veins are also associated with certain medications like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy drugs like Premarin and Provera. They can also occur due to an increase in blood pressure after menopause for some women—though this is usually temporary once the body adjusts to lower levels of estrogen production after menopause occurs at around age 51-52 years old!
Spider Veins Treatment
- Sclerotherapy
Another option for treating spider veins is sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a chemical into the vein. The chemical causes the vein to collapse and eventually fade away. This can be done with either a needle or a laser injection, but it’s generally recommended only for smaller veins that are easier to see on your skin. You can have this treatment done in your doctor’s office or a hospital if needed—it doesn’t require anaesthesia.
- Laser treatment
If you have spider veins, you can get laser treatment. Laser treatment is a quick and effective way to treat spider veins. It is not used to treat varicose veins. The procedure usually takes place in a doctor’s office and is painless.
- Endovenous laser treatment
Endovenous laser treatment is a procedure that uses a laser to seal off the blood vessel. This is usually done in your doctor’s office and is non-invasive. It can be used on the face, legs, or arms. In endovenous laser treatment, your doctor will insert a needle to inject dye into the blood vessel you are treating. They will then use an ultrasound machine to guide them as they place the tip of their insertion tool near the entrance point of this vein before using a special device (called an endoscope) to inspect it while they insert another tube at its exit point.
- Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy is a minimally-invasive procedure involving removing dilated capillaries and venules. During this procedure, your doctor will insert a tiny catheter through your skin and into the affected vein. Once inside, he’ll use radiofrequency ablation to heat the walls of your superficial veins so they break apart and then get absorbed by your body over time.
This treatment:
- It removes spider veins from your legs, arms or face
- It may be done on an outpatient basis (meaning you can go home after) or in an ambulatory surgery center; this depends on where you live and what type of insurance coverage you have available.
- It takes about an hour per limb.
Spider veins aren’t a medical emergency, but can be uncomfortable and unattractive.
Spider veins are a cosmetic problem, not a medical one. They won’t cause you any permanent harm. However, they can be painful and unattractive.
Spider veins result from an abnormality in the walls of your blood vessels that causes them to bulge outward and resemble small webs. The condition is also known as telangiectasia, which means “dilated blood vessel.” Sometimes spider veins appear on their own; other times, they develop alongside varicose veins. To avoid getting spider veins, follow these tips:
- Keep active—exercise increases your circulation and helps prevent clotting that could lead to clogged vessels or varicose veins.
- Use compression stockings—these reduce pressure in your legs while walking or standing.
Conclusion
Regardless of symptoms, causes and treatment options available, spider veins are not a fatal disease. However, it is equally important to see a dermatologist or family physician as soon as you observe the primary symptoms of spider veins.
They might help you understand its root cause and suggest the proper spider veins treatment. However, ensure you do your utmost to care for yourself to avoid such diseases. You can consult with a dermatologist near you at Skin & Hair Academy.
