Spider Veins: How to Get Rid of Them
Some women avoid wearing shorts or bathing suits so no one will see the web of blue/purple spidery veins that appear unflatteringly on their legs. Other women carefully cover spider veins on their nose or cheeks with foundation, blush or cover up. Spider veins frequently become more evident as women and men reach their 40’s and 50’s. Treatments for spider veins does not pose any medical risk but can be expensive and may require several visits to make them finally disappear.
Spider veins, also called telangeictasia, affect up to 75% of the population. They can be due to genetics, sun damage, effects of smoking and alcohol. Women seem to be more susceptible possibly due to the effects of hormones changes in pregnancy, using birth control pills or other age related fluctuations of estrogen.
Spider veins occur when a small amount of blood leaks out from the superficial veins in the skin. Spider veins do not cause any medical problems; they just are a cosmetic annoyance. Varicose veins are larger versions of spider veins that can become filled with trapped blood. Varicose veins can require more invasive treatment if they become painful, inflamed or swollen.
Spider veins treatments:
● Sclerotherapy injections are considered the “gold standard” treatment for spider veins. They work best for spider veins that are large enough so that a needle can fit inside the vein. Ultrasound can also help guide needle placement. It may take two to six sclerotherapy treatments over a couple of months to achieve desired results and some spider veins may still not disappear.
● Laser therapy is one choice for those adverse to needles and works best for smaller spider veins such as ones on the face. Lasers cause the spider veins to shrink and fade as they are reabsorbed by the body. Plan on receiving two to four treatments over six weeks and expect some bruising afterwards.
● Cover make-up: According to about.com, Dermablend is supposed to be one of the best products to cover unsightly skin defects. Cover Fx is an alternate choice. Both last for hours relieving concerns that you will look down and see your spider veins peeking through.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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The reason why spider veins occur is because the valves in blood vessels responsible for pushing blood upwards and back to the heart have become weak. This leads to pooling of blood in the blood vessel. While it is generally harmless, such veins can lead to cramping, discomfort, and heaviness in the legs. It can also become quite ugly to look at. You can usually find relief in vein supplements that contain horse chestnuts, a traditional herb used to get rid of bulging veins. I use a supplement called Vein Matrix which contains Vitamin C (antioxidant), horse chestnuts, disomin, butcher’s broom, hesperiden—these are all well-known herbs which have been researched for their efficacy. They help support good circulation and strengthen the valves in blood vessels. You may find relief and support through this.
November 27, 2009 - 6:01amThis Comment