It’s easy to keep our legs covered up in winter, but spring and summer will be here before we know it — and they will bring shorts and skirts that make hiding unsightly veins difficult. Fortunately, there are steps you can take now to prevent spider veins later. There are also good options to address vein issues you may already have.
At North Shore Vein Center in New Hyde Park, New York, Dr. Mark Schwartz and our highly trained team treat a variety of vein problems including spider and varicose veins using cutting-edge, minimally-invasive procedures and the latest equipment available.
Spider veins
Also known as thread veins, spider veins are thin lines that are blue, red, or purple and often look like branches or webs. They appear most often on the thighs or lower legs but can also occur on the face. In many people they are a cosmetic issue, while for others they may cause uncomfortable symptoms such as itching, aching, burning, and heaviness. They can also result in night cramps.
Causes
Spider veins occur when valves that prevent blood from flowing backward in the veins weaken or get damaged and blood pools in the vein. Certain factors can increase a person’s risk including heredity, being a woman, a hormonal treatment like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, and being pregnant. Older age, carrying extra weight, and sitting or standing for long periods of time can also increase the chances of spider veins as can having had a blood clot or damage to a vein.
Ways to prevent spider veins
There are a number of steps people can take to stop new spider veins from occurring and to prevent ones that already exist from worsening. They include:
Wear compression stockings
By providing pressure on the lower leg veins, these special socks can encourage blood flow as well as help with leg swelling.
Practice healthy habits
Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease pressure on the veins while regular exercise results in better circulation and less blood pooling. Move around every half hour to encourage good blood flow. Elevating the legs when sitting or lying down can also reduce blood collecting in the veins.
Don’t wear tight clothing
Clothes that constrict the waist or legs may reduce blood flow and increase the chances of spider veins occurring.
Avoid using saunas and hot tubs too much
Veins can swell when exposed to excessive heat, which makes the risk of bulging veins more likely.
Apply sunscreen
Exposure to the sun can cause spider veins, especially on the face.
Treatment options
While there are many things people can do to prevent new spider veins from occurring, often they want to rid themselves of the unsightly veins that already exist. There are a number of good treatment options. Examples include:
VeinGogh™ ohmic thermolysis system
This innovative procedure uses controlled heating to get rid of troublesome blood vessels immediately without any significant damage to the tissue around them or discomfort.
Sclerotherapy
This treatment involves injecting a special solution with a tiny needle into the veins to seal them shut. The body naturally sends blood to other healthy veins instead while the treated veins fade over time.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy employs thermal energy to super-heat spider veins which results in them collapsing and sealing closed.
If you’re suffering from spider veins and seeking clearer, smoother skin, call our office at 516-231-1934 today to work with our experts on a personalized treatment plan.