Spider veins are small, damaged veins that usually appear on the surface of the legs or face. They are not painful or harmful, but some people treat them for cosmetic reasons. These can be blue, purple, or red. They appear in the form of thin lines, webs, or branches. When the valve present in the vein, weakens or becomes damaged, the blood struggles to flow in the correct direction, and it begins to collect inside the vein. Over time, this can cause a bulge in the vein that branches out, resulting in spider veins. Spider veins on the face occur due to the bursting of blood vessels.
Factors that can increase the risk of developing spider veins are:
- Up to 90% of people with spider veins have a family history of them.
- This may occur during pregnancy. Often they tend to affect women more than men.
- Spider veins appear with age.
- Overweight persons tend to have spider veins on legs
- Birth control and menopausal pills may increase the risk of spider veins
- Sitting or standing for long hours
- Previous blood clot or vein damage
- Excess pressure in the face
- Ultraviolet light from the sun
Several different treatment options are available:
- Wearing compression stockings or socks
- Sclerotherapy and closure system-Sclerotherapy involves injecting an irritant directly into the affected vein. Then the walls of the vein stick together and keep blood from flowing into the area. Closure system treatment involves injecting a substance into the affected veins, causing the spider vein to fade or disappear with time.
- Laser treatment on spider veins that are smaller than 3mm and close to the surface of the skin can be done. These are less painful.
- Endogenous Laser Treatment is a newer procedure. A small incision is made in the affected vein and a laser fiber is inserted. This applies heat directly to the vein and causes it to collapse. The vein then disappears gradually.
Lifestyle changes and self-care tips can help prevent new spider veins from appearing or stop existing ones from getting worse. These include:
- Applying sunscreen every day.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Wear compression stockings
- Sitting or standing for long should be avoided.
- Avoid excessive heat of bath or sauna
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Involve in physical activities.
- Elevate the legs when sitting or lying down.
A variety of treatment options can help improve the appearance of spider veins or remove them altogether It is always essential to consult a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in dermatology, vein care, or cosmetic or plastic surgery.