Spiderman is cool…looking like him is not. But spider veins can happen to anyone, and can happen anywhere. You can see these red or purplish lines on your thighs, your legs, and your face (especially around the nose area). Women are particularly vulnerable, because of hormonal issues and side effects of using oral contraceptives. But your lifestyle, and even your job, can make you more prone to spider veins. Read on for more information about spider veins.
Causes of spider veins
The root cause of spider veins is poor blood circulation. Capillaries break, causing that discoloration of lines that look like, well, an ugly spider web (hence the name). Anything can trigger the problem. As said earlier, hormonal fluctuations like those during pregnancy and menopause can make them worse. So can obesity and sun damage—so your diet, and how often you head outdoors without any sunblock, can play a part. Smoking makes them worse (so stop!) as well as general effects of aging (which, unfortunately, we can’t stop). Studies also show that exposure to harsh wind and extreme temperatures also increase the risk for, and the intensity of, spider veins. This is one reason why your profession can affect your risk for spider veins. Do you spend a lot of time outdoors? Are you exposed to pollutants? Do you work in a place of extreme heat or extreme cold, such as a factory?
Not just skin deep
Spider veins aren’t pretty, but the problems go beyond appearance. Some people with extreme spider veins can also experience cramps or discomfort, as well as swelling just behind the area.
Common treatments for spider veins
There are many available treatments for spider veins. Laser treatments are fast (you can have them done over your lunch break). You can also opt for injections called sclerotherapy, which has some degree of pain but is thought to have longer effects. However, sclerotherapy must only be done by a licensed plastic surgeon—do your research to find out if your doctor has the proper training and certification, and has done several of these treatments before. You don’t want to be his guinea pig! You can also check out reviews of treatments to find out which spider vein treatment you think will work best for you.
Some creams claim to reduce the appearance of spider veins, and can be used to spot-treat small patches on the face and legs. Typically these creams work by boosting the skin’s health and minimizing swelling. However, the creams do not have long-term effects, and will not work on more severe cases.
Photo from beautyfactor.blogspot.com