|
Once upon a time, the skin on your legs was flawless. Then, bit by bit, those spider and varicose veins started creeping up. So, what can you do about them?
First let's talk about what they are. Varicose veins and spider veins are not the same.
What causes varicose veins?
There are valves in your veins that make your blood flow upward. These valves are like tiny doors that close after the blood has passed to keep blood from flowing backwards. When these valves don't work correctly, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to swell and become too big. This is how varicose veins develop.
You may be able to feel varicose veins with your fingers. They are raised above the surface of the skin and are swollen. They usually look purple or blue and have a ropelike appearance.
Varicose veins can be a health threat because they can be associated with other conditions, including:
- Phlebitis (an inflamed or tender vein)
- Thrombosis (a dangerous blood clot in the vein)
- Venous stasis ulcers (open sores caused by tissue not getting enough oxygen)
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins are harmless. They form when a small group of blood vessels close to the skin's surface dilate. Spider veins may be red or blue. Unlike varicose veins, they don't tend to be raised from the surface of the skin. They may look like branches or spider webs. Spider veins can also appear on the face.
Make them disappear
There are various techniques available to remove varicose and spider veins. These procedures may not be covered by your insurance, so check with your health insurance provider first. One technique often used is sclerotherapy. This procedure is inexpensive and doesn't usually leave a scar. It is safe and causes very little pain or discomfort. It does not require an overnight stay in the hospital.
A dermatologic surgeon injects a chemical solution into the problem vein. This solution causes the vein to close and become a scar that will be absorbed by the body. Healthy veins nearby take up the extra workload.
You may need to return to the doctor several times to completely treat the affected vein. Up to three injections into the vein may be required.
After the procedure, you'll need to wear bandages and support hose. Depending on your doctor's instructions, you'll wear them for two days to three weeks. They will help prevent bruising and bleeding. During recovery, walking and moderate exercise are often encouraged.
Other procedures
Other available procedures include:
- Laser surgery: Destroys problem veins with a laser beam.
- Electrodesiccation: Seals off veins with an electrical current.
- Surgical ligation and stripping: An incision is made and the damaged veins are tied off or removed. Requires a hospital stay.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy: A series of tiny incisions are made along the enlarged vein.
What you can do
The tendency to develop varicose and spider veins tends to run in families. To reduce your chances of getting them, maintain a healthy weight and don't stand or sit for too long. To improve blood flow, engage in regular exercise that gets your heart pumping.
|
Related Articles
|
|
External Sources
|
Return to the previous page
|
