Spider Veins: Where They Come From And How To Treat Them
Spider veins are a series of small capillaries that are connected to the larger system of veins and run throughout the human body. Spider veins can be compared to varicose veins, however they are smaller in size and do not bulge out above the skin surface as spider veins most commonly do. While many find the sight of spider veins to be unlikable, they usually do not require removal from one's body. These veins can be a variety of colors, however most commonly are red, blue and purple. If people do experience any symptoms from having these veins, they are only minor symptoms such as itching.
Spider veins are usually found on the surface of the legs, specifically the ankle, calf and thigh. There are certain factors which can increase a person's chances of developing spider veins in their lifetime. Some of these factors are obesity, the use of birth control pills, a history of blood clots and jobs that involve long amounts of standing and being on your feet. These types of veins can also be hereditary. Women tend to develop spider veins more frequently and it is estimated that around one third of the population is affected by spider veins currently.
As we age, spider veins become more visible on the skin. Because so many humans find the appearance of the veins to be unpleasant, doctors have established treatments that can be done to remove spider veins.
A common treatment that people turn to is called Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive, out-patient procedure. It involves direct injections of sclerosing solution into the spider veins. For best results, two or more sessions are usually required. Through these direct injections, the veins usually collapse and fade from view. Another type of treatment is to use a laser to direct a beam of light to each specific spider vein which destroys the vein permanently through the skin. Laser treatments are typically used on veins that are too small for a needle to be used through Sclerotherapy. In some cases, both of these treatments are used in combination to combat the problem. While these treatments have proven to be successful, there are peple out there who find even these to be too invasive, or too expensive. In this case, a third option can be pursued. This option is the use of a spider vein rub-on cream. The cream is rubbed directly onto the location of the spider vein, and over time the cream will work to diminish the appearance of the spider veins.
Spider veins are usually found on the surface of the legs, specifically the ankle, calf and thigh. There are certain factors which can increase a person's chances of developing spider veins in their lifetime. Some of these factors are obesity, the use of birth control pills, a history of blood clots and jobs that involve long amounts of standing and being on your feet. These types of veins can also be hereditary. Women tend to develop spider veins more frequently and it is estimated that around one third of the population is affected by spider veins currently.
As we age, spider veins become more visible on the skin. Because so many humans find the appearance of the veins to be unpleasant, doctors have established treatments that can be done to remove spider veins.
A common treatment that people turn to is called Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive, out-patient procedure. It involves direct injections of sclerosing solution into the spider veins. For best results, two or more sessions are usually required. Through these direct injections, the veins usually collapse and fade from view. Another type of treatment is to use a laser to direct a beam of light to each specific spider vein which destroys the vein permanently through the skin. Laser treatments are typically used on veins that are too small for a needle to be used through Sclerotherapy. In some cases, both of these treatments are used in combination to combat the problem. While these treatments have proven to be successful, there are peple out there who find even these to be too invasive, or too expensive. In this case, a third option can be pursued. This option is the use of a spider vein rub-on cream. The cream is rubbed directly onto the location of the spider vein, and over time the cream will work to diminish the appearance of the spider veins.
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