Spider Vein
Spider veins (also called telangiectasia
or venulectasias) are fine blood vessels that
are red and bluish in color. These vessels are often arranged
in a web-like or dense-matting pattern.
Symptoms of spider vein
The symptoms of spider veins are:
- Small blood vessels
- Red, blue, and purple in color
- Arranged in a web-like pattern or dense-mat
- Usually painless, however, it can occassionally be accompanied
by pain and burning sensation especially after long periods
of standing
Causes of spider vein
The exact cause of spider veins is not known. It is noticed that
several factors may be responsible:
- Genetics
Predisposition to developing spider veins seem to be genetically
inherited.
- Hormones
This condition is more common in women, especially after pregnancy,
menopause, or while undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
- Sun exposure
- Injury
Spider veins may develop at the site of an old injury, sometimes
years after the injury has healed.
- Pressure on the legs and feet caused by high-heeled
shoes and by being overweight.
How Can it be Prevented?
Although they are difficult to prevent, it seems that the following
can reduce the chance of developing spider veins:
- Exercise
- Wearing support hose and flat shoes (no high-heels)
- Losing weight
Spider Vein Treatment
The treatments for spider veins are:
- Sclerotherapy
A saline solution is injected to the area, which causes the
body to destroy and replace the surrounding tissue. Success
rate varies between 50% to 90%, however spider veins usually
recur in most cases.
- Laser treatment
