What Spider Veins Say About Your Health

Spider veins are a common problem that affects both men and women. They’re easily treatable and, in most cases, don’t represent any serious health problems. However, they can get worse over time, sometimes causing pain and other issues.

The following looks at what they are, the reasons behind the condition, causes, and any links to other whole-body health. We also discuss the easy ways to treat and remove them—something many people are keen to do as they can be unsightly.

Everything You Need to Know About Spider Veins

• Spider veins: what are they?
• Spider veins: causes
• Spider veins and whole-body health 

Spider veins: what are they?

The medical name for spider veins is “telangiectasia varicose veins”, or simply, telangiectasia. You might also hear them described as thread veins. They appear as small areas of web-like clusters of tiny red, purple, or blue veins. While they are a type of varicose vein, spider veins don’t bulge beneath the skin—the upper surface remains smooth. 

They affect the smallest of the blood vessels within the body, called capillaries. They’re commonly seen on the legs but can also occur on the face. They occur when the vessel walls become weak or from faulty valves that prevent the blood from running smoothly back to the heart. Gravity exerts its greatest force in the legs, hence this is the most common location to find spider and varicose veins.

Spider veins: causes 

There are multiple reasons that you might develop spider veins or varicose veins. These include: 

• Genetic
• Taking the contraceptive pill
• HRT
• Obesity
• A history of blood clots
• Anything that increases abdominal pressure, such as wearing girdles for excessive periods, constipation, or tumors

Another factor that commonly raises the risk of spider veins is an occupation that means you stand most of the time. Teachers, health care workers, and cabin crew, for example. Sitting down long-term can also have the same effect.

Spider veins and whole-body health 

While spider veins in isolation aren’t normally a health concern, they can cause some discomfort over time. Typical symptoms include aching or itching over the area. Cramping and swelling are a possibility, but this is more usually associated with varicose veins, rather than telangiectasia. 

However, in rare cases, spider veins can be an early warning sign of potential venous issues. The blood vessel system within the body is interconnected, so spider veins can reflect changes within larger veins. More serious conditions, such as venous disease or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), increase the pressure within the veins. In turn, this can cause further problems. Spider veins can sometimes be a red flag that something else is going on. 

Because of this, it’s wise to get any thread veins checked by your general physician or a dermatologist to rule out any underlying cause. 

How to Get Rid of Spider Veins  

• Spider vein removal

Spider vein removal

Removing spider veins is a commonly carried out procedure. This is known as sclerotherapy. The procedure is carried out for many reasons, including: 

• Improving the appearance
• Eliminating any pain or discomfort
• Preventing any complications, such as venous bleeding

It involves injecting a salt solution into the vein. This causes the vein to collapse and disappear entirely over the next 3-6 weeks. It’s an easy procedure that can be carried out in the dermatology office, allowing you to return home the same day.

The procedure causes minimal discomfort and, depending on the extent of the spider veins that are removed, might mean you need to wear compression stockings for some days or weeks afterward.

Contact Bayou City Dermatology for the Ultimate in Spider Vein Removal

At Bayou City, we know how important it is to love the skin you’re in. Spider vein removal is a popular treatment for women and men of all ages, making it one of our most sought-after procedures that can easily be carried out in our doctor’s office.  

We use the most advanced methods to quickly assess and treat the problem, with most people typically being able to visit us, undergo the procedure, and head home straight away.

Ready to find out more? Head to https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/clinical/spider-veins and get in touch today to book your consultation.