Do you suspect varicose veins, or have they already been diagnosed?
With the help of thorough vascular diagnostics, problems can be identified early, and severe secondary diseases can be averted.
Spider veins
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are tiny, thin veins visible just below the skin’s surface and vary in color. They are purple, blue, pink, or red, typically resembling a spider web, and can be flat or slightly raised to the touch.
Like varicose veins, spider veins on the face, hands, and limbs can be associated with pain.
This is how spider veins form.
They are called that way because they remind us of spiderwebs. Sometimes you can also find in the descriptions that they look like marble.
Location
Spider veins typically appear in the leg veins but can sometimes also occur in the chest, face, or hand veins.
Causes
Spider veins on the legs, hands, and face are caused by unhealthy valves in the supply veins that allow blood to flow backward instead of up to the heart. Some of this pooled blood can lead to dysfunctional “dead ends” – veins that appear as spider veins beneath the skin’s surface.
Origin
Many of us will encounter problems with vein health at some point. It is usually hereditary. So if your parents or grandparents have or have spider veins, you are more likely to develop them too. Getting pregnant or having a job or lifestyle that requires standing can worsen the condition or make it more likely that you will get it.
Several factors put people at higher risk of developing spider veins.
The factors that put people at risk for developing spider veins are very similar to those for varicose veins, including:
Obesity
Additional weight puts extra pressure on the veins.
Age
Although spider veins are not unique to the elderly, the disease progresses as we age. This is because the valves in the veins undergo greater wear and tear over time. This makes blood flow difficult and can lead to blood pooling.
Pregnancy
A woman’s blood volume almost doubles during pregnancy to support the growing baby. This increase in blood volume can lead to the development of expanded veins and, in some cases, spider veins.
Genetics
The likelihood of developing spider veins increases if other family members suffer from them.
Sedentary lifestyle
Prolonged sitting or standing restricts blood flow and can lead to blood pooling.
Gender
Due to the hormonal changes women often experience during pregnancy and menopause, spider veins are more common in women.
Prevention of spider veins
Some risk factors for spider veins cannot be avoided. The risk of developing spider veins is reduced by:
Exercise
Exercise promotes healthy blood circulation. Even something as simple as walking can improve vein health.
Balanced diet
A diet high in fiber, low in salt, processed foods, and sugar can improve vein health.
Change position
We recommend avoiding prolonged periods of sitting, standing, or inactivity. Change positions often or go for a short walk.
Elevate your legs
Elevating your legs above your heart helps blood circulate through your veins by relieving pressure and stress.
Compression stockings
They help support blood flow while reducing pressure in the veins.
Treatment of spider veins
Some of our patients are looking for a cosmetic improvement treatment, others want to relieve their pain. The good news is that spider veins and their underlying cause are highly treatable.
Spider vein treatments are carried out at the clinic. Each practice visit lasts less than an hour. The treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy, in which a trained provider injects a solution into the vein, causing it to close. Once these veins are sealed, blood circulation returns to veins with properly functioning valves.
Possible complications
Skin color change: Brownish patches near the treated area. They can take several months (or even one year) to fade.
