Spider veins, also known as thread veins, are a cluster of red, purple, or blue that usually form on arms, legs, or even the face. They are distinguishable from varicose veins, which bulge and are cord-like. However, they are usually caused by similar reasons.
Anyone can get spider veins, even young, fit individuals though they are more likely in older, overweight individuals. Blood circulates from the heart to the body through arteries and, after it nourishes the body, returns to the heart through veins. Veins have non-return valves to ensure blood only travels in one direction.
However, spider veins and varicose veins are caused by venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is due to damaged or weak valves leading to blood flowing backward or pooling of blood in veins. If this happens in severe cases, it causes varicose veins while it causes spider veins in mild cases.
Spider veins may also be caused by pregnancy or certain medications. Note that spider veins on the face are caused by tiny blood vessels bursting.
Do spider veins disappear on their own?
Most spider veins do not go away on their own, and in some cases, they might worsen with time. However, spider veins caused by pregnancy may go away after delivery. Spider veins caused by taking certain medications may also fade away and disappear if you discontinue taking those medications.
Treatment of spider veins
In most cases, spider veins are not painful and are dealt with mostly for cosmetic purposes. You can use compression stockings to relieve symptoms and prevent the formation of new spider veins.
You can treat spider veins with sclerotherapy. In this non-invasive procedure, an FDA-approved pharmaceutical solution is injected into the veins sealing off the affected veins. Circulation is rerouted to healthy veins.
You can treat spider veins on the face do not respond well to treatment by lasers. Sclerotherapy is the golden standard treatment for all spider veins, but is it has to be done by an expert phlebologist. There is no harm to venous circulation by proper treatment of spider veins. These spider vein treatment options can be found at any Vein Specialty Medical Clinic in Campbell and San Jose area
