Unsightly veins
Spider veins are small superficial blood vessels that appear red or
blue in the skin. They commonly occur on the legs, but are also found
on the face or other areas of the body.
These dilated blood
vessels may be short, unconnected lines, each about the size of a large
hair, or connected in a "sunburst" pattern. They may look like a spider
web or a tree with branches. Spider veins can occur in a small area
where they are not very noticeable, or they can cover a large area of
skin and be very unattractive.
Larger dilated blood vessels called varicose veins may be raised above the skin surface. They may occur with spider veins.
Patients
can have pain that ranges from dull and throbbing to a burning
sensation. The larger vessels are more likely to cause discomfort,
although smaller blue veins have been shown to cause pain as well.
If
spider veins are bothersome, they can be treated with laser or by
injection of a special solution that can destroy them. They can
disappear or become much smaller. There is about an 80 - 90 percent
chance for a greatly improved appearance.
What causes these blood vessels to become visible?
The
cause of spider veins is not completely known. They seem to run in
families. Identical twins can be affected in the same area of the body
and to the same extent. The condition rarely occurs as part of an
internal disease.
Spider veins appear in both men and women,
but more frequently in women. Female hormones may play a role in their
development. Puberty, birth control pills, pregnancy, or hormone
replacement therapy may contribute to them. They may also appear after
an injury or as a result of wearing tight girdles or hosiery held up
with elastic bands. Varicose veins occur mainly from genetic
susceptibility.
Spider veins on the nose or the cheeks of fair-skinned people may be related to sun exposure.
Can spider veins be prevented?
Spider
veins cannot always be prevented. Wearing support hose may minimize
unwanted blood vessels from developing. Keeping one's weight at a
normal level and exercising regularly may be helpful, as well as eating
a high-fiber diet and wearing low-heeled shoes. Sun protection is
important to limit the number of unwanted vessels on the face.
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