Spider veins (telangiectasias) are small, thin blood vessels visible beneath the skin. They usually develop on the face or legs, and may look like a series of thin tree branches or strands of a spider web. Although most spider veins are only a cosmetic issue, for some people they can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and leg-cramping.
Causes of and Risk Factors for Spider Veins
Spider veins develop from a backflow of blood in the veins. This condition, which results from damaged valves in the veins, is called “venous reflux.” As blood collects in these veins, their walls distend. This increases the size of the veins, and makes them visible under the surface of the skin. Risk factors for developing spider veins include the following:
- Increasing age
- Hormonal changes
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Sun exposure
Having a family history of spider veins is also a risk factor for developing them.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Spider Veins
Spider veins, which are diagnosed through a physical examination of the patient, an analysis of symptoms and, sometimes, diagnostic ultrasound, can be treated in a number of ways, all of which are minimally invasive.
Compression Stockings
The simplest solution for treating spider veins is for the patient to wear compression stockings, which put pressure on the affected veins and promote blood flow back to the heart. This method is designed to control the symptoms of spider veins, not remove them.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant, a solution designed to collapse them, into the veins. This procedure is performed by a licensed professional. Each treatment takes approximately one hour, and a typical patient requires two to four treatments.
Laser Treatment
The Long-Pulsed Yag laser reduces vascular lesions, commonly known as spider veins, by using energy to heat, damage, and collapse targeted blood vessels. Technicians can also utilize the Long-Pulsed Yag to remove different types of vascular lesions, including cherry angioma.
The above treatments have fewer side effects, cause less pain and have shorter recovery times than traditional surgical-vein-removal procedures.
Prevention of Spider Veins
Although there is no sure way to prevent spider veins, making certain lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of developing them. Lifestyle changes include losing weight, exercising regularly, and wearing support stockings and comfortable, flat shoes. It is also important to move the legs frequently, especially during long periods of sitting or standing in one place.