Spider veins occur when an area of tiny blood vessels widens and causes thread-like red lines or patterns on your skin. They’re most commonly found on lips, nose, eyes, fingers, cheeks, legs and feet. They form gradually and often in clusters. They’re called spider veins due to their web-like appearance. Their “big brothers,” so to speak, are reticular veins. Reticular veins are larger, usually measuring two to three millimeters across.
Sometimes, when you’re wondering how to get rid of spider veins, especially when they appear on your face or hands, you may worsen the problem by using certain beauty products, such as abrasive soaps or sponges, that irritate your skin. You may not have any painful symptoms, but still want to pursue spider vein removal because of their unsightly appearance. In Manhattan, you’ve found the best vein doctor vein specialist in Dr. Susan Bard.
Causes of Spider Veins
A wide variety of causes can contribute to the development and appearance of spider veins and reticular veins. Spider veins treatment may be needed to repair damage from causes that include:
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Lengthy exposure to the UV rays of the sun, which are particularly common in creating spider veins on face
- Alcoholism that thins and weakens blood vessels
- Pregnancy
- Birth control pills
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Aging, as veins lose elasticity and valves weaken
- Certain professions requiring lots of standing such as nurses, teachers, hairstylists and factory workers
- Pressure in the abdomen from a tumor, constipation or tight garments
- History of blood clots, causing spider veins on your legs
- Rosacea
- Corticosteroid use
- Scleroderma
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
Trauma and injury also can be precursors to the need for spider vein treatment. Complications can occur if you don’t learn how to prevent spider veins. Without appropriate spider veins treatment in NYC, you could develop ulcers, blood clots or swelling in your legs, and bleeding or discoloration of your skin, especially around your ankles.
Symptoms of Spider Veins
Other than their red or blue threadlike appearance, you may have few or no symptoms as spider veins develop. You may, however, notice uncomfortable side effects such as:
- Pain
- Aching
- Itching
- Tiredness
- Heaviness in your limbs
- Restlessness
- Burning
- Throbbing
- Tingling
Any swelling, unusual warmth or bleeding should immediately be checked by your Manhattan vein doctor as they can be indications of complications. If spider veins or symptoms of an underlying condition, that condition may be a serious medical issue. Don’t dismiss spider veins as just a nuisance unless you’ve had them checked by a medical professional.
Risk Factors Requiring Spider Vein Treatment
Although anyone can develop spider veins, you’re at a higher risk if you:
- Work outdoors
- Sit or stand all day
- Misuse alcohol
- Are pregnant
- Are elderly
- Take birth control pills
- Take hormone replacement therapy
- Have a family history of spider veins
- Are obese
- Have rosacea, scleroderma, dermatomyositis or systemic lupus erythematosus
- Use corticosteroids
Spider veins on legs can be painful and spider veins on face can be embarrassing. Your NYC doctor determines the extent of your need for spider vein laser treatment or other forms of cutting-edge spider vein removal by examining you and taking a thorough history of your vein problems. She may order an ultrasound to check your veins when you have spider veins on legs for signs of blood clots. Spider vein treatment depends on your desired goals.
How to Get Rid of Spider Veins
The focus of spider veins treatment is to improve the appearance of your skin. Spider vein removal occurs by damaging these small veins causing them to collapse or scar. There are self-care treatments to help with the symptoms and to prevent spider veins from returning. Self-care spider vein treatment includes:
- Wearing support stockings to relieve pain
- Watching your weight
- Eating a high-fiber, low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention
- Exercising to encourage pumping action of blood vessels
- Avoiding high heels and tight girdle-like garments
- Elevating your legs, especially after extended periods of standing or sitting
In her Manhattan office, your vein specialist offers a host of alternatives, including:
- Spider vein laser treatment
- Sclerotherapy
- Endovenous laser treatment
- Radiofrequency ablation