Causes of Spider Veins - 2

Updated on: August 18, 2014
Spider veins are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these minuscule veins are linked to your larger venous system, they are not a necessary part of it. These veins have a spider shape with a number of veins stretching outward from a dark central point. Or they could imitate a pattern that looks like small branch-like shapes, although sometimes they appear like thin separate lines or like a sunburst or cartwheel that are found mostly on the inner knee or the outer thigh area. The two main causes of spider veins are age and heredity, but there are some useful tips available that can help to prevent spider veins.

Spider Veins Prevention

• When you're in the sun protect your skin by avoiding excess exposure and by wearing sunscreen.

• Exercise to increase the strength of your veins and leg muscles.

• Avoid crossing your legs.

• Don't wear clothes that are tight and impede your circulation.

• Control your weight.

• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.

• Wear support stockings.

Sclerotherapy Treatment

With the advanced technology of lasers, treatment of spider veins and deeper, reticular veins can be done relatively easily right in the cosmetic surgeon's office. Lasers are extremely safe and effective on leg veins, as well as veins visible on the face, neck, and chest. The treatments cause very few side effects and you can resume your regular activities immediately following the procedure.

Another option is sclerotherapy injection where your veins will be injected with a sclerosing solution that will make them collapse and fade from sight. This can also clear up other symptoms that you may be experiencing that are associated with spider veins, like aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.

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