Spider Veins

The clusters of blue, purple, and red veins which are typically seen on the ankles, thighs, and calves are some of the most unattractive inevitabilities which a lot of people are suffering from. Most familiarly known as spider veins, these are also often mistaken as varicose veins. But even if these two conditions are relatively similar, varicose veins are the enlarged versions and are farther from the skin’s surface than the spider veins.

Known medically as telangiectasias, spider veins are also inflamed blood vessels, although they normally only measure in millimeters. They can appear on any area of the body, but are mostly seen on the chin, cheeks, and nose. They are also known to develop on the ankles, legs, upper thighs, and at the back of the knees.

Spider veins appear when there is a dilation of the blood vessels near the skin’s surface. The distinct appearance of this condition involves a pattern of purplish and reddish veins. Although they are not considered as a health hazard, they are likely to cause a dull ache on the affected areas, particularly on the legs. While the pain that comes with spider veins is not as intense as that in varicose veins, spider veins are still likely to bleed or worsen when left untreated. However, spider veins do not worsen and will never become as bulging as the varicose veins.

Although these two terms are used interchangeably most of the time, they do not mean the same type of condition. Moreover, each does not cause the onset of the other. However, both are brought about by the same factors.

The exact causes of spider veins have not been completely established. But there are a lot of theories which point out the possible causes. For one, spider veins are said to be fed by some varicose veins which are embedded deep down. These varicose veins cause the disruption of circulation and allow the spider veins to thrive above them.

One other theory says that, the spider veins are actually small arteries which have attached themselves to the veins closest to the skin’s surface. Since surface veins possess low pressure, and arteries have high pressures, both the venal blood and arterial blood make spider veins visible.

Genetics and hormones, particularly estrogen, are also pointed out to play a role in the onset of spider veins. Sometimes, spider veins develop along with varicose veins. However, one is not a requisite of the other. And while most patients are looking for treatment for aesthetic purposes, others welcome relief from pain and discomfort.

Weight loss is a spider vein treatment option commonly suggested to patients. However, some people claim that it does not work to improve the symptoms. Experts say that the only efficient method of treatment for the vessels is to eliminate them. Preferred method is done by injecting the vein with a certain solution which causes it to contract. Such procedure is known as sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy is a technique which is considered to be almost painless. But while it serves to reduce the visibility of spider veins, it is not capable of preventing them from recurring. Lasers may be used more often to eradicate spider veins appearing on the face. However, these are known to be less effective than sclerotherapy. And even if sclerotherapy necessitates several treatment sessions, it still remains to be the safest and the most effective treatment method for spider veins.

We may not be able to completely stop the development of spider veins. But it is reassuring to know that there are techniques which can help us manage the condition, and possibly prevent it from being bothersome.