What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins, medically termed telangiectasias, can be thought of as a variant of varicose veins. These are extremely fine, surface veins that appear as threads and can branch out like the legs of a spider. They typically appear red, blue or purple in color and usually do not push up the surface of the skin like varicose veins. Spider veins frequently occur in association with slightly deeper dilated blood vessels (often blue/green in color) called reticular veins. Almost always found on the legs or face, spider veins can be asymptomatic and simply a cosmetic issue, or they can be an indication of underlying venous disease.
How common are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are very common and are seen more often in women than in men, presumably because of hormonal factors.
Up to half the population may have spider veins at some point, and the likelihood increases with age.
What causes Spider Veins?
Multiple studies on spider veins have failed to establish a true cause, although widespread anecdotal evidence suggests hormonal factors may play a role. In many instances, spider veins are not related to underlying vein reflux disease and may be treated with cosmetic treatment approaches, including sclerotherapy and surface laser treatments. When part of venous reflux disease, they are typically caused by overflowing blood from surrounding dilated reticular and varicose veins, and may result in itching or burning. Therefore, it is wise to have a thorough venous insufficiency evaluation by a venous specialist, prior to addressing spider veins.
Risk factors for Spider Veins
Although any person can develop these visible veins, there are some common risk factors to note:
- Pregnancy – often worsens with multiple pregnancies
- Obesity
- Older age
- Not using sunscreen (especially in people with light skin color)
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time, especially work related
- Hormonal changes – birth control pills or pre-menopausal hormonal supplements
- History of blood clots; superficial or deep vein thrombosis
How do you prevent Spider Veins?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent spider veins, and they may be an inevitable inconvenience for many. This is especially true for those who have the above risk factors. However, there are some lifestyle changes that can help prevent new formation. Keep in mind, these changes will not rid you of your existing spider veins.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise – walking or other exercises that utilize the legs tend to reduce chances of developing spider veins, since this movement helps promote blood flow.
- Elevate your legs when resting – reduces effects of gravity and improves venous drainage.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing around your thighs, legs or groin area. Tight clothing can prevent proper blood flow, which can increase the chance of developing spider veins/telangiectasias.
- Compression stockings – these provide extra support for your veins and may prevent new formation.
Treatment for Spider veins
There are two main treatment options for Spider veins; sclerotherapy and surface laser therapy. The most effective of the two remains sclerotherapy and is considered the gold-standard.
The Vein Clinic of Dallas offers the highly effective sclerotherapy option. With this method, spider veins are treated in well under an hour, with minimal to no discomfort and immediate return to daily activities.
Dr. Husein Poonawala is one of few vein specialists in the country who has mastered novel cosmetic sclerotherapy techniques, including subdermal tumescent assisted sclerotherapy with combination source phlebectomy. These techniques are revolutionary, allowing significantly improved cosmetic results with fewer treatment sessions. These methods are typically reserved for extensive spider vein networks where traditional sclerotherapy would very likely be unsuccessful.
What if I have both spider veins and varicose veins?
It is quite common for many patients to have both. If the varicose and spider veins are in the same area, the larger and deeper varicose veins should definitely be treated first, followed by treating the spider veins.
If spider veins are treated without controlling the underlying deeper varicose vein reflux, the results are simply not as desirable and with increased risk of side effects such as hyperpigmentation and bruising.
