Harmless but unsightly, spider and varicose veins affect almost 80 million American adults. These purple webs can cling to your legs and even to your face, causing you a world of grief. But what are spider veins caused by? And can you get rid of them? Here are some commonly-asked questions about spider veins.
Where do spider veins come from?
Spider veins can have a variety of causes. These include:
- Heredity
- Smoking
- Obesity
- A history of blood clots
- Hormones from puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
- Increased abdominal pressure, such as from tumors, constipation, and restrictive shapewear or girdles
At base, spider veins and varicose veins form because a blood valve does not function properly. If blood is not flowing through well, it flows backwards into the vein, causing enlargement.
Are varicose veins and spider veins the same?
While similar, varicose and spider veins are not quite the same thing. Varicose veins are large and swelling, and are usually found in the legs. Spider veins, however, have “branches” and look like a spider web. These are reddish-blue as opposed to the blue of varicose veins. Also, spider veins can appear anywhere, including on the face.
Are spider veins painful?
Generally, no. Varicose veins, though, can be very painful and come with side effects like itchiness, numbness, and fatigue. These come with warning signs before development, such as:
- Muscle cramps
- Discoloration of the skin, especially in brown near the ankle.
- Throbbing, tingling, or burning in the legs
- Fatigue
- Swollen legs or ankles
How do I get rid of spider veins?
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins can be treated cosmetically, and in a variety of ways. You can prevent them from forming by getting plenty of leg exercise. However, it’s impossible to defend against them if your veins are hereditary.
Laser treatments to spider veins cause the valves to collapse and seal. Within several months, your body will absorb these closed-off veins.
Sclerotherapy skips the lasers and injects a solution into the veins. This causes them to clump together and become less visible. This procedure is great for those with a family history of spider veins, particularly with patches appearing at a young age.
There are also other treatments, like getting a massage, elevating your legs, and adding ginger to your diet. Ginger helps with blood circulation–meaning it may be effective at treating or preventing your spider veins.