Spider veins are red or blue blood vessels near the surface of the skin that look like branches or webs. They often appear on the legs and can be caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, obesity, and other factors. Although the condition is very common, many people are embarrassed by them. While spider vein treatment like that found at Ivein is an option, it's much easier to prevent the spider veins from appearing in the first place. Below are six tips for preventing spider veins.
Use Sunscreen
Exposure to the sun both causes spider veins and worsens the spider veins that may have already formed. If you’re heading out into the sun, make sure to put sunscreen on. Be thorough with the coverage, putting it on more than just your legs where the spider veins are or could be. Cover your face as well, to prevent spider veins from forming there. If you dislike the idea of spider veins on your legs, imagine what you’ll think of spider veins on your face. Best to just avoid that altogether. As an added bonus, sunscreen will protect you from skin cancer, wrinkles and dark spots, so lather up.
Move Around Frequently
Spider veins form when the vein’s valves aren’t strong enough to push the blood along, so blood begins to pool in the veins. When you sit for long periods of time, your blood doesn’t move much and your veins lose strength. The longer you sit or stand for long periods of time without moving, the slower your blood is pumped through your body and the weaker your valves get. This increases your risk of blood pooling and spider veins forming.
If you have a job that requires you to stay still, like working the front desk of a hotel or sitting in a cubicle for 8 hours a day on a computer, try to move around at least once every 30 minutes. Get your heart pumping and your blood flowing so your valves and veins can stay strong. This will reduce your risk of developing spider veins.
Don't Sit with Your Legs Crossed
Sitting with your legs cross cuts off the blood flow to your legs. This is problematic because, like with the above point about reduced movement, this weakens the valves in your veins, causing blood to pool and causing spider veins, also known as varicose veins. Make sure you’re not cutting off the circulation to any part of your body, but particularly not to your legs.
Control Your Weight
Obesity is one of the leading causes of spider veins because extra weight puts additional pressure on your legs, causing your valves to weaken. Pay attention to your diet, eating foods that promote blood circulation, and exercise regularly. You don’t need to be incredibly fit or even skinny. There’s a difference between skinny and healthy, and the latter is more important to preventing spider veins.
Eat Low-Salt and High-Fiber Foods
Salt affects blood pressure, so eating too much salt over a long period of time can lead to spider veins. Pay attention to the salt content in your food and make sure it’s not too high. Pay attention to your bowels as well. Chronic constipation also causes spider veins. Eat high-fiber foods, because those help your digestive system, clearing your bowels and lowering your risk of vein problems.
Use Good Footwear
Avoid wearing high heels whenever possible. Low-heeled shoes are much better for blood flow to your legs. Skinny jeans and strapped shoes can cut off the circulation to your legs and feet, which weakens your veins as previously mentioned. Avoid tight shoes and clothes. Wear compression socks or stockings and any other clothing that promotes improved blood flow through your legs.
Spider veins can't always be prevented, but there are many lifestyle changes you can make to minimize your risk of developing them. Whether that’s changing your wardrobe or getting up and walking around a little more throughout the day, prevention doesn’t require huge changes to your life. However, whatever changes you make to your daily routine will be worth it since it will keep your veins healthier in the long run.
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Hello Eileen,
Thank you for sharing ways we can avoid getting spider veins.
Regards,
August 11, 2017 - 9:19amMaryann
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