How to Get Rid of Spider Veins and Varicose Veins

Varicose and spider veins are not cute. But have no fear, there are ways to get rid of your bulging or spider web appearing veins.

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. These unsightly looking veins usually appear on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but smaller. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins usually appear on the legs and face.

Varicose VeinsThe reason your veins look this way is because your one-way valves in these veins became weak and blood leaks back into the vein, collecting there.

Some factors that increase your chances for developing varicose or spider veins are:

  • pregnancy
  • increasing age
  • obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing
  • family history or born with weak vein valves
  • hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
  • sun exposure, which can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose

Spider veins usually do not need medical treatment, but varicose veins can cause health problems.

Not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting new ones, or ease discomfort from the ones you already have:

  • wear sunscreen
  • wear elastic support stockings
  • elevate your legs when resting
  • do not cross your legs when sitting
  • eat a low salt diet rich in high fiber foods
  • do not stand or sit for long periods of time
  • control your weight to keep pressure off your legs
  • exercise your legs regularly ~ walking/running/aerobics
  • avoid tight clothing that constricts your waist, groin, or legs

There are two common treatments for spider veins and varicose veins. One is injecting a solution into the vein that causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein should fade.

The other is laser treatments that can effectively treat spider veins in the legs. Laser surgery sends very strong bursts of light onto the vein which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear.

In addition, there is the over-the-counter option of Vitamin K, etc. topical creams, that essentially claim its use strengthens the integrity of capillary vein walls. At this juncture, no scientific support for these topical use claims.

If you are highly prone to the development of these unsightly looking varicose veins then you can slow down the development of new ones by wearing graduated compression support stockings as much as possible during the day.

Filed under: Self-Image

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