What Causes Spider Veins?
While generally harmless, spider veins are more of an aesthetic annoyance than a medical emergency. Fortunately, spider veins can be removed by cosmetic surgeons. But what causes spider veins, who is at risk, and what can you do to get rid of them?
Let’s take a closer look at what spider veins are and how The Centre P.C. can help treat them.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins are caused by the dilation of small groups of blood vessels located close to the skin’s surface. Essentially, the valves in the vein stop working properly, blood struggles to flow in the right direction and begins to pool inside the vein.
Spider veins get their name because they appear as thin, reddish lines that resemble web-like clusters. They are found commonly on the face and legs. Women are more susceptible than men.
Who Is At Risk?
We don’t know exactly why spider veins develop, but some factors that can contribute to the condition might include:
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Physical trauma or injury
- Excess pressure
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Aging
- Sun damage
- Hormonal birth control or hormonal treatments
- Obesity
- Previous blood clots or vein damage
The effects of hormone treatments and pregnancy may contribute to women being slightly more at risk for developing spider veins than men.
Are Spider Veins The Same as Varicose Veins?
Both spider veins and varicose veins are conditions that are a result of weakened or damaged valves in the veins. But it’s important to note their differences as the two are often confused.
While still considered a venous condition, spider veins are typically small, thin, web-like lines that are flat or slightly raised from the skin. They are often blue, red, or purple in color and generally painless for most people.
On the other hand, varicose veins are larger and may appear lumpy or twisted under the skin. They are typically darker in color, range in severity, and may even cause a variety of symptoms:
- Pain, itching, or bleeding at the site of the varicose veins
- Swelling of the legs or ankles
- Aches or heaviness in the legs
- Circulation concerns
Are There Treatment Options for Spider Veins?
Yes! The Centre P.C. offers cosmetic treatments for spider veins using a pulsed dye laser, a tool that has safely and effectively treated spider veins for over 15 years.
Using this treatment, a gentle yet intense burst of laser light is delivered to the skin and absorbed by the blood vessels. The vessels are heated and coagulated so the body can reabsorb them and heal the area naturally. And because this treatment is so gentle, it does not negatively affect the surrounding tissue.
If you’re considering spider vein treatment for your face or legs, call The Centre P.C. at (574) 621-3171 or contact us online to learn more about treatment options.
For more information on treating spider veins and other common cosmetic procedures, follow Centre. P.C. on Twitter or ‘like’ us on Facebook.
