Spider Veins

It is estimated that more than half of the female population will develop ‘spider veins’ with the growing age. Not being varicose veins, which can be a sign of a more severe vascular disorder, spider veins are likely to affect people more aesthetically rather than physically.

What leads to spider veins?

Sunburst varicosities or Telangiectasias which are the medical terms used for spider veins, are blood vessels that have expanded due to either a weakness in the valves that the control the flow of blood or the wall in the vein itself. They are caused due to many reasons, comprising, wind and sun damage, exposure to highly varying temperatures, oral contraceptives, genetic predisposition or ageing. And not only women develop spider veins but men also develop it as they get older, especially those who have spent several years outdoors in sun and wind.

Spider veins, though being a part of the larger vascular system, are not essential to it, and therefore they do not cause any major risk of health. However, some people may go through uncomfortable symptoms like night cramps, discomfort or swelling in the area. Others will not have any pain at all. As the group of veins sits just beneath the skin, and is a very visible spot of purple, red, or blue, many people go with it to have them treated.

Available treatments

For the removal of spider veins there are two main types of treatments available: Laser or Intense Pulsed Light therapy and Sclerotherapy therapy. There are also many natural ways which help in preventing the onset of spider veins, or prevent more from developing.

Basically both treatments work by sending beat of light to the vein, which collapses it. The body finally reabsorbs the collapsed vein.

Other Alternatives

Neither Sclerotherapy nor laser therapy will prevent other spiders veins from getting developed. Good vascular health is the main way to prevent or slow down the further development of spider veins. Exercise that focuses on strengthening the legs is necessary for health of valve.

The blood possesses a long way to travel back from the heart, and regular calf exercise can enhance the flow of blood in the areas around the legs. Yoga is also considered as a great way of improving flow of blood, as some of the poses that lift up the legs in the air are very effective. Moreover, natural remedies like Pulsatilla and Horse chestnut help in maintaining a strong vascular system.