Spider veins are the smaller cousins of varicose veins – they are twisty, fine, red, purple, or blue blood vessels that can be seen through the skin, usually on the face or legs. Unlike varicose veins they don’t cause the skin surface to bulge – although they don’t typically pose a health problem in themselves, they can be equally distressing. They typically form a spider’s web-like pattern, and up to 60% of adults will eventually suffer from them.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Healthy veins transfer blood to the heart and contain one-way valves that allow blood to flow in one direction. Spider veins are formed when problems with these valves cause blood to pool inside the veins. This causes blood vessel walls to weaken, which can result in the twisty patterns that are characteristic of spider veins.
Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from spider veins, as are people who spend much of their time at work standing up. Age, being overweight, pregnancy, trauma, and surgery also increase the risk of developing spider veins. There is also a genetic component, meaning that some people are just more likely to suffer from them.
If you want to decrease the risk of developing spider veins, the following methods are recommended:
-Stay active by walking regularly and keeping your weight under control.
– Additional exercises targeting your leg muscles will help.
– If you have to stand still for extended periods, periodically stretch your leg muscles to help promote blood circulation.
– Limit the level of salt in your diet to reduce water retention.
– Regularly rest with your legs raised to the level of your heart (or higher). This helps promote healthy blood circulation by stopping blood from pooling in the legs.
– Excessive sun exposure can also contribute to worsening the appearance of spider veins, so wearing sunblock and avoiding too much sun will also help.
If you’ve started to develop spider veins, Sclerotherapy and Laser Vein Therapy are both effective treatment options that can reduce or eliminate spider veins in the vast majority of cases.
Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles specializes in Botox and Fillers injections, laser hair removal, vein therapy, chemical peels and IPL among many other services. Please call us at (323) 525-1516 or visit us online at www.yourlaserskincare.com to schedule a free consultation.
