Creepy Crawlers, When Spider Veins Come Crawling Down Your Skin

We all live in a society where health and beauty often goes hand in hand. Even the smallest skin imperfections can have damaging effects on our overall personal appearance. Spider veins are referred to as such due to its appearance of having a central red dot with fine, red “legs” emanating from the center giving its spider-like appearance. It is usually found on the face, chest, back and legs. These are very superficial blood vessels whose walls have become dilated making them visible on the skin.

What Causes Spider Veins to Appear?

The most common site for spider veins is the legs. To understand why they appear, we have to realize that the venous system is a one-way system which basically transfers blood back to our hearts. It is a system that uses a series of valves for transporting blood. Any increase in pressure makes it harder for blood to flow back. Prolonged and constant high pressures give rise to spider veins and in worst cases, varicose veins. The legs are the most common area where pressure builds up. These are the farthest areas from where blood is transported back to the heart.

1. Ultraviolet Light Exposure. Excessive exposure to the sun over time causes skin damage. Common signs of sun damage include brown spots and red spots which can actually be spider veins.

2. Hormonal Factors. Some medications and hormones such as topical or steroids and pills can cause spider veins. Abnormal changes in estrogen and progesterone levels increase the risk for developing spider veins.

3. Pregnancy. Increased pressure in the abdominal area impedes normal blood flow. Another reason why spider veins appear in pregnant women is due to the high volume of blood circulating in their body. This makes the valves pump harder, hence the appearance of spider veins especially on the leg area.

4. Obesity. Similar to pregnancy, people who are overweight place more pressure on the veins. Fat buildup in the veins also impedes the normal flow of blood to the heart.

5. Genetics. Studies have shown that people with a family history of spider veins increases the chance for incurring spider veins as they grow old.

6. Aging. Age has a direct effect on the development of spider veins. This is because valves grow weak as we grow older.

7. Prolonged standing/ sitting. The contraction of our leg muscles aid in the pumping action of our veins. Lack of movement increases the workload the valves in our veins.

Can spider veins be treated?

Fortunately, there are a number of treatment modalities for spider veins ranging from invasive to non-invasive procedures. This specifically addresses individual needs and extent of spider veins.

Compression stockings

These are medical grade stockings with a pressure of 30mmHg that helps blood flow back to the heart. Wearing this is a great way of preventing the appearance of spider veins.

Sclerotherapy

This involves injecting a chemical in the veins which causes it to swell and close its opening to disable the flow of blood. Multiple injections are usually done to achieve desired results.

Laser Treatments

Medical lasers can be used to treat spider veins. A cooling gel is usually used to minimize the burning sensation. Multiple treatments maybe required depending on the extent of spider veins.

How can we prevent spider veins?

If you have a family history of spider veins or planning for a pregnancy then preventing the occurrence of spider veins is a better option that treating it. Below are simple tips on how you could reduce your chances of developing spider veins and give those blood valves a much needed break.

• If you’re job requires a great amount of time sitting or standing then wearing medical grade compression stockings is recommended.
• Avoid wearing tight pants or anything which may impede normal blood flow in your leg area.
• Elevate your legs when resting
• Get some exercise. Walking around helps pump the blood back to your heart. Perform simple exercise when possible especially when standing or sitting for long periods of time.
• Use appropriate sunscreen when planning to spend time under the sun. Wear protective clothing or use an umbrella to protect your skin against harmful sunrays.

Are they a cause for concern?

Most of the time, these spider veins don’t cause us any harm and we are simply bothered by its unsightly appearance. Most spider veins found at the lateral sides of your legs are usually more superficial with no deeper involvement. It can be itchy and tender. Rarely are these a sign of an underlying health problem.

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