Spooky Spider….. Veins

Happy Halloween! With spiders being the unofficial mascot of this Spooktacular holiday, what better scary skin condition to discuss than spider veins.

Contrary to the name, spider veins have nothing to do with spiders at all. This condition is also known as telangiectasias, and it’s quite common. They’re small, thin blood vessels that are visible beneath the skin and usually develop on the face or legs. The term “spider veins” comes from the appearance, as they tend to look like strands of a spider web. Although most spider veins are only a cosmetic issue, for some people they can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling, and leg-cramping.

Nearly half of the adult population within the United States are affected by this common condition. They develop from a backflow of blood in the veins; this increases the size of the veins and make them visible under the surface of the skin. Aging, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, and sun exposure are all factors that may increase the odds of developing spider veins.

Here’s the treat to this trick, there are an abundance of treatment options for this skin condition, all of which are minimally invasive! A simple solution for treating spider veins is to wear compression stockings. This method is to control the symptoms of spider veins, not remove them.

For those seeking treatment to remove the appearance of spider veins, sclerotherapy or endo-venous laser treatments are also options. Both of these treatments have few side effects, cause less pain, and have shorter recovery times than traditional surgical-vein-removal procedures.

Sclerotherapy consists of injecting a solution into the veins. This procedure is performed in a doctor’s office. Each treatment takes approximately one hour, and a typical patient requires two to four treatments.

Endo-venous laser treatment involves inserting a catheter with a laser probe attached to it, directly into the vein. The laser heat seals off the damaged vein, and diverts blood flow to healthier vessels.

If you’re looking to prevent spider veins, making certain lifestyle changes is good place to start. Weight loss, regular exercise, compression stockings, and flat shoes are a great way to be proactive.

If you’re looking to scare your spider veins away this Halloween, contact our office nearest you to meet with a qualified healthcare provider than can discuss treatment options best for you. Click here to learn about the services and treatment options Luminary has available. Want to learn more about spider veins? Find out what the American Academy of Dermatology has to say about the condition by clicking here!