Spider veins are a common cosmetic problem that can be frustrating. They can cause discolouration, pain, and even bleeding.
Spider veins form when blood vessels in the legs dilate, causing them to bulge out of the skin. This process is usually caused by genetics or hormonal changes in women. Spider veins are more likely to form if you have varicose veins or other circulation problems.
While there is no way to prevent spider veins, there are some steps you can take to reduce their appearance and prevent them from getting worse. If you find that none of the following techniques works for you, book an appointment with a vascular surgeon in Melbourne like Dr Adrian Ling for more assistance on how to manage your spider veins.
Firstly, What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are red and blue blood vessels found in the skin. They often appear as a series of branching, dilated capillaries. These tiny blood vessels can be several millimetres to several centimetres long. They are usually less than 1 millimetre in diameter.
Spider veins are most common on the legs, ankles, and feet, but they may also appear on the face, chest, buttocks, and back.
Spider veins can develop with age or may be triggered by pregnancy, hormonal changes, or weight gain/loss. Other risk factors include heredity and a family history of varicose veins.
The cause of spider veins is unclear.
6 Ways to Prevent Spider Veins
Spider veins may be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, and high blood pressure. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent them from forming.
1. Get plenty of exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent spider veins from forming. Studies have shown that people who engage in regular physical activity have a lower risk of developing this condition. Exercise helps increase blood flow to your legs and improve circulation — both of which can help prevent spider veins from forming or spreading further if they already exist.
2. Wear compression stockings
Compression stockings help reduce the pressure on your legs and improve circulation. However, they can be uncomfortable to wear and difficult to apply and remove.
3. Lose Weight if You Are Overweight
If you're overweight, losing weight can help prevent the formation of new spider veins. This is because being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins, which can result in the appearance of spider veins. Losing weight can also improve the appearance of existing spider veins by reducing swelling and improving circulation in your legs.
4. Avoid standing still for long periods
Standing or sitting still for long periods — at work or in the car — can cause blood to pool in the lower extremities, increasing pressure within the vein walls and causing them to stretch out. To prevent this from happening, take frequent breaks throughout the day and walk around when possible.
5. Drink plenty of water every day
Water helps keep your body hydrated, so it doesn't retain excess fluid — reducing pressure on your veins. Aim for eight glasses per day.
6. Wear sunscreen
To protect yourself from sun damage and other skin problems like skin cancer, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outside. Choose one that protects against UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher for maximum protection.
Is There a Way to Treat Spider Veins?
Making an appointment with a vascular surgeon in Melbourne like Dr Adrian Ling is the best method to learn about your spider vein treatment choices.
Spider veins can be treated with cutaneous laser and sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy
Spider veins can be effectively treated using sclerotherapy, a minimally-invasive and safe procedure. Injectable foam is used to seal off smaller and medium-sized veins during this procedure. The procedure can be done in Dr Ling’s rooms and one is able to walk immediately and drive immediately following treatment. Dr Ling will be able to advise if sclerotherapy may be the right spider vein treatment for you.
Takeaway
Although spider veins are not life-threatening, they can be a source of pain and embarrassment. If you are suffering from spider veins, contact Dr. Adrian Ling, a Vein and Artery Specialist in Melbourne. He is an expert in treating these veins and will help you look and feel great again.
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