Cause and Treatments for Spider Veins
A surprisingly common condition, spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but less defined and closer to the skin’s surface. They are often blue or red in color and resemble tiny spider webs in the form of short, fine lines that form on the legs or face.
Like varicose veins, spider veins (which are also known as leg veins) are often caused by a back-up of blood in the veins. This usually happens when the valves in veins weaken. However, spider veins may be caused by hormonal changes, by excessive exposure to sunlight, and also injury.
While spider veins are very common, particularly in people over 50, there are ways to lessen the risk of them developing. There are also ways to help treat them.
Common Causes of Spider Veins
One of the reasons spider veins frequently occur in the legs is due, quite simply, to the pressure of body weight along with the force of gravity. Unlike veins in other parts of the body, leg veins have to endure enormous pressure as they carry blood from the feet to the heart. If the pressure is stronger than the valves in the veins, spider veins – and quite likely varicose veins – are likely to form. When people are obese or overweight, there is even more pressure on the veins in the legs!
Sometimes people are born with weak vein valves, which will increase the risk of spider veins. They also seem to be hereditary, so if other people in your family have them, there is more of a chance you will too. But being aware of preventative causes can help prevent them. For instance, a general lack of movement can be a strong factor, particularly for people who sit cross-legged or with their legs bent. Even if you have to stand for long periods of time, your leg veins will be forced to work a lot harder pumping blood to the heart.
Exposure to the sun is another cause that can be controlled. While fair-skinned people are most likely to develop spider veins on their nose or cheeks, it stands to reason that everyone should use protective sun creams if they are going to be exposure to harsh sunlight.
Pregnancy is another common cause of spider veins. As the uterus grows there is increased pressure on the veins. The volume of blood in the body also increases during pregnancy, which commonly causes veins to become more enlarged than usual. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy as well as during puberty and menopause appear to contribute to the development of spider veins. Medication that contains estrogen and progesterone (including birth control pills) could also contribute to the formation of spider veins.
Another very common cause is increasing age, which none of us can control. The fact is that as we age, the valves in our veins weaken and they don’t work as well as they did when we were younger.
How to Help Treat Spider Veins
Spider veins don’t normally cause serious health problems, but they can be ugly, make us feel old, and they can also cause discomfort. Left untreated, they could develop into varicose veins that can result in quite serious health problems.
The most common treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy, which involves dosing the veins with a special solution that makes the veins close and may help them to disappear. It is a minor procedure that doesn’t require surgery or anesthesia.
If you suffer from spider veins and are in Georgia, visit The AgeLess Center, the leading studio for cosmetic enhancement. Their spidervein treatment is regarded as the best in Atlanta for service and for price.
