Have you developed a strange web of veins that is unusually more visible? These may be spider veins. Read on to learn more about spider veins.
It’s not unusual for people to see some of their veins from under the skin. But if you have a cluster of thin veins that are unusually more visible or cause discomfort, you may have developed spider veins.
Wondering what they are and if you should be concerned about them? Read on to get all the essential details about spider veins.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are very fine blood vessels that are extraordinarily visible. They are usually bluish or purple in color, and may appear slowly or seem to have developed overnight and form a web-like pattern. Hence, the name.
Sometimes also referred to as thread veins, these are essentially damaged capillaries, arterioles, and/or venules. Spider veins can develop anywhere on the body, but are common in the legs. After the legs, the face is the second most commonly affected area by spider veins. And while it may look like you’re the only one who has them, spider veins are quite common, especially among women. According to healthcare experts, more than half of women develop spider veins at some point. They are more common in later ages, though. An estimated 50% of all adults in North America, aged 50 and up, have some level of spider veins.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins develop when some of the tiny blood vessels located just underneath the skin are weakened and get damaged as a result. What causes this is not always clear. There are several factors known to cause spider veins. These include:
- Injury
- Hormonal changes
- Connective tissue diseases
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Certain genetic syndromes
Various health and lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing spider veins. These include:
- Excessive weight – a BMI over 30
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Standing for an extensive amount of time on a regular basis
- Smoking
- Excessive sun exposure
- Pregnancy
- Family history of spider veins; among biological members
- Birth control medications
- Hormone therapy for menopause
Do Spider Veins Pose a Health Concern?
Even though spider veins are damaged blood vessels, they do not typically pose any health risk and are more of a cosmetic concern. Most people seek treatment for spider veins because they do not like their appearance. In a very small number of cases, when spider veins develop due to an underlying disease, they may cause discomfort, itching, pain, or cramps.
Are There Treatments Available for Spider Veins?
There are a variety of treatments available to help with spider veins.
If your spider veins are due to an underlying condition, the treatment focuses on that. However, considering spider veins aren’t usually a health concern, they are generally treated via cosmetic procedures.
While laser therapy and sclerotherapy are sometimes used to work on these, we have a better solution. Jade Clinic’s unique Skin Revision treatment can address spider veins (and a range of other unwanted skin concerns) far more effectively. It’s also safe and super fast. No more spending hours in clinical discomfort to get rid of that unsightly web of spider veins from your body. Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation session with our skin expert to discuss Skin Revision therapy to remove spider veins.
