Spider veins—those small clusters of red, blue or purple veins that appear on the thighs, calves and ankles—are a common occurrence among many women. The good news is that effective, safe, and relatively painless methods are available for reducing spider veins. Let’s take a closer look at what spider veins are, their causes, and the treatments available to reduce them.
What are Spider Veins?
In some women, spider veins become noticeable at a young age. For others, the veins may not become obvious until much later in life. A number of factors may contribute to the development of spider veins in the legs including heredity, hormonal shifts during pregnancy or menopause, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing such as flying or desk work, and weight fluctuations.
Spider Vein Treatment Options
The most common spider vein treatment involves the injection of a solution into each affected vein causing it to collapse and fade over time with multiple treatments. This method is often referred to as sclerotherapy because the injected solution causes the walls of the vein to become irritated and stick together (sclerosis). It is considered one of the most effective treatments for spider veins because it can be done quickly with minimal discomfort. Other treatments include laser therapy which targets specific areas to reduce minor discoloration caused by broken blood vessels under the skin. Laser therapy is usually more expensive than sclerotherapy but can produce better results in some cases.
Conclusion:
Spider veins can be unsightly and embarrassing but there are effective methods available for reducing them safely and relatively painlessly. Injections such as sclerotherapy have proven to be an effective option for reducing spider veins while laser therapy has been used successfully to remove minor discoloration caused by broken blood vessels under the skin. Consumers should consult with their doctor or dermatologist before beginning any form of treatment in order to determine which method will work best for them based on their individual needs and preferences.