Spider Veins
Sometimes, you might have noticed red and blue blood vessels visible through the skin. They are known as spider veins. To know more about spider veins, read on...
The human circulatory system comprises a number of large and small blood vessels. Spider veins and varicose veins are the problems related to the blood vessels. Also known as telangiectasia, they cause the clusters of red, purple, or blue blood vessels that are visible through the skin. Spider veins generally start appearing as tiny capillaries and afterward, they appear as red or blue squiggles. They may appear as short fine lines, web-like maze or starburst clusters, generally on the surface of calves, thighs, legs and ankles. Spider veins are not as painful as compared to enlarged varicose veins. However, they may worsen and bleed, if left untreated. Symptoms may include mild or throbbing pain and a burning sensation in the leg. Both men and women can suffer from this disorder, however, it is more common with the latter. (The symptoms of varicose veins are large, swollen, raised blood vessels, which twist and turn.)
Spider veins may appear in one of three forms. They may be spider-shaped with a cluster of veins radiating outwards from the center. They could appear in a pattern like branches on a tree. You may also observe them in the form of thin separate lines. There are certain factors that contribute to their development, such as heredity, weight gain, hormonal factors, etc. Let's know in detail about their causes.
Causes
Spider veins are caused by the dilation of small veins under the skin surface due to weakened vessel wall. They are not hazardous, but they can cause burning feeling or ache in legs after prolonged standing. The exact causes of spider veins are not known. However, there are different factors that are responsible for developing them. Heredity increases the chances of suffering this disorder. Some people are born with a family history of weak vein valves, while in others, hormones also may play a significant role in their development. The hormonal changes that take place during puberty, menopause and pregnancy as well as hormonal changes due to hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills can give rise to spider veins in women.
Other factors that could lead to spider veins are obesity, aging, history of blood clots, etc. People who have to remain standing for a prolonged time, e.g. teachers, nurses, surgeons and factory workers, are more prone to such a condition. Certain conditions such as constipation or tumor can lead to an increased pressure in the abdomen can also be responsible for their development. Some other possible causes are previous vein surgery, skin injury or trauma and exposure to UV rays.
Treatment
The most common treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy. In this therapy, a highly concentrated saline solution is injected into the vein. It helps the spider vein disappear within 3-6 weeks. Laser treatment is another good option for the same. During this treatment, intense light is directed to the veins, due to which these veins are eliminated permanently.
Prevention
By certain changes in daily routine and maintaining healthy lifestyle, you will be able to prevent spider veins. Always protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Use of stockings and sunscreen is recommended. Regular exercise is important to improve strength and blood circulation in the legs. Maintain healthy body weight by eating a balanced, healthy diet and doing regular exercise. If you have to stand for a prolonged time, shift your body weight from one leg to another every few minutes.
Spider veins may appear in one of three forms. They may be spider-shaped with a cluster of veins radiating outwards from the center. They could appear in a pattern like branches on a tree. You may also observe them in the form of thin separate lines. There are certain factors that contribute to their development, such as heredity, weight gain, hormonal factors, etc. Let's know in detail about their causes.
Causes
Spider veins are caused by the dilation of small veins under the skin surface due to weakened vessel wall. They are not hazardous, but they can cause burning feeling or ache in legs after prolonged standing. The exact causes of spider veins are not known. However, there are different factors that are responsible for developing them. Heredity increases the chances of suffering this disorder. Some people are born with a family history of weak vein valves, while in others, hormones also may play a significant role in their development. The hormonal changes that take place during puberty, menopause and pregnancy as well as hormonal changes due to hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills can give rise to spider veins in women.
Other factors that could lead to spider veins are obesity, aging, history of blood clots, etc. People who have to remain standing for a prolonged time, e.g. teachers, nurses, surgeons and factory workers, are more prone to such a condition. Certain conditions such as constipation or tumor can lead to an increased pressure in the abdomen can also be responsible for their development. Some other possible causes are previous vein surgery, skin injury or trauma and exposure to UV rays.
Treatment
The most common treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy. In this therapy, a highly concentrated saline solution is injected into the vein. It helps the spider vein disappear within 3-6 weeks. Laser treatment is another good option for the same. During this treatment, intense light is directed to the veins, due to which these veins are eliminated permanently.
Prevention
By certain changes in daily routine and maintaining healthy lifestyle, you will be able to prevent spider veins. Always protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Use of stockings and sunscreen is recommended. Regular exercise is important to improve strength and blood circulation in the legs. Maintain healthy body weight by eating a balanced, healthy diet and doing regular exercise. If you have to stand for a prolonged time, shift your body weight from one leg to another every few minutes.
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