Get Rid of Spider Veins
How to Get Rid of Those Pesky Spider Veins
While spider veins occur very commonly among populations across the globe and are generally not harmful, you cannot get rid of them using either prescribed or over-the-counter gels, creams or pills. But that does not mean they aren’t treatable. But, before we look at how you can get rid of spider veins, let’s quickly look at what exactly they are and what causes them.
In short, these clusters or webs of thin, squiggly lines – usually red, blue or purple in colour – appear when the small, superficial blood vessels under the skin get damaged, most often due to the valves in the blood vessels weakening or malfunctioning. Blood starts pooling in the area instead of being moved towards the heart, which makes the damaged blood vessels visible through the skin. While they tend to be harmless, it is this unsightly appearance that most often causes patients to seek help in order to get rid of spider veins.
What are the causes of spider veins?
There are a number of factors that can increase your chances of experiencing this condition, which include:
- Your gender – Women are more likely to experience this condition. In fact, one in four women are affected globally, compared to one in six men.
- Your age – As one gets older, the likelihood of developing this condition also increases.
- Family history – This condition is considered to be hereditary. If they commonly occur in your family, you are more likely to also develop them.
- Your weight – Being overweight or obese is a common factor that increases your chances of superficial vein damage, especially in the legs.
- Your activities – People who stand for long periods at a time, or tend to sit with their legs crossed for extended periods are more likely to develop this condition.
- Pregnancy – Pregnancy has been known to raise the likelihood of developing this condition.
- An underlying health condition – The damaged superficial blood vessels can also, at times, indicate the presence of a more serious underlying condition, such as blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.
The best way to get rid of spider veins
The most effective way of getting rid of these damaged blood vessels is through a process called sclerotherapy. An agent is injected into the vein that causes the vein to become “sticky”. The affected vein shrinks, and is slowly reabsorbed by your body.
If you are looking to get rid of spider veins and want more information, contact The Gibson Vein Practice. Dr Stewart Gibson is a trusted vein specialist who has over 20 years of experience and over 20 000 successful treatments under his belt.
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Sources:
https://www.medicinenet.com/how_do_i_get_rid_of_spider_veins_on_my_legs/article.htm
