Spider Veins 101
Spider veins affect millions of Americans each year. Men and women of all ages develop spider veins, but its prevalence increases as individuals get older. In addition, women are at higher risk for developing spider veins. By age 80, 80% of women will have spider veins or another form of venous disease.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are formed by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, spider veins are most commonly found on the face and legs. They usually pose no health hazard but may produce a dull aching in the legs after prolonged standing and indicate more severe venous disease.
What Causes Spider Veins?
While the exact cause of spider veins is still unknown, these five factors have been linked to the venous condition:
Family History, Age, and Gender
Studies have shown that up to 90% of patients suffering from spider veins have a family history of the condition. Women are also affected more than men and age contributes to the risk factor of getting spider veins. This is due to the valves in the veins getting weaker as the patient grows older.
Pregnancy
Many women who become pregnant notice the appearance of spider veins. This is due to the extra pressure on the leg veins from the additional weight of the fetus. Spider veins may disappear after pregnancy, but some could become permanent.
Obesity and Hormones
People who weigh more than their ideal body could suffer from spider veins due to the added pressure on their leg veins. Women who are taking birth control or undergoing hormonal treatments for menopause also have an increased risk for spider veins because the estrogen can weaken their vein valves.
Prolonged Sitting or Standing
When a person remains in the same position for extended periods of time, the leg veins have to work overtime to pump blood towards the heart. This added pressure could cause spider veins in people who find themselves standing or sitting for hours at a time.
Sun Damage or Previous Blood Clot
Being exposed to the damaging ultraviolet light from the sun causes damage to the skin, especially on the face, and can put a patient at a higher risk for developing spider veins. A previous blood clot or vein damage also causes the veins to not work properly, which could lead to the same condition.
How to Prevent Spider Veins?
There are small steps that individuals can take to lessen their risk of developing spider veins, such as:
Wearing sunscreen anytime they will be exposed to the sun
Avoiding sitting or standing for extended periods of time
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
And elevating the legs at the end of a busy day
Use of compression stocking can slow the progression of spider veins
While these prevention tips may help slow the inevitable, there are many factors listed above that are out of our control.
Luckily, if you do discover that you’ve developed spider veins, there are treatments available.
At Elmore Medical Vein and Laser Center we treat most spider veins with a procedure called sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution called a sclerosant directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and stick together and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.