Spider
Veins
What Are Spider Veins And What Causes Them?
Although
spider veins and varicose veins are similar to each other, spider veins tend to
be much smaller than varicose veins, appearing closer to the skin surface than
varicose veins. The area affected can be
small or large and often appears as a spider web or a tree branch, in bundles
of small red or blue veins. They are
also referred to as telangiectasia or broken veins. Generally, spider veins do
not cause the kind of pain associated with varicose veins, however they can
cause embarrassment - despite the fact they are very common, especially in
women.
The exact
cause of spider veins is not proven, however some primary causes suggested are
heredity. If other women in the family have spider veins, then you are likely to
develop them as well. Local trauma, a bang on the leg, pregnancy, during which the shifts in hormonal levels can cause poor blood circulation, and
prolonged standing or sitting, all can also cause the appearance of spider veins. If your
occupation or lifestyle means a lot of standing or sitting for long periods of
time, then there can be increased pressure on the venal walls and spider veins
may result.
Contributing Factors and What you Can Do
There are
other contributors to spider veins which include such things as overexposure to
the sun, chronic constipation, obesity, certain medications and wearing high
heeled shoes or tight clothing.
There are
several things you can do to prevent spider veins and facial spider veins:
Protect your skin when you are in
the sun, this will limit spider veins on the face.
Avoid sitting down or standing up
for long periods of time. If your job
requires you to sit or stand constantly, then take short walks every few hours.
Don't cross your legs while sitting
and try to elevate your legs when resting.
Exercise regularly, focusing on
exercises that work your legs. Improve
your strength and circulation.
Wear support hose and clothing which
does not inhibit circulation.
Avoid excessive heat on the legs
(hot tubs and hot baths).
Include enough fiber in your diet and maintain
a healthy body weight.
Treatment Options
There are several spider vein treatment options available, including however you may want to speak with a specialist in vein
disease (phlebology). Discuss treatment
options that would work best with your condition and lifestyle. Not all cases of spider or varicose veins are
the same, and doctors may have differing views on treatment.
