spider veins on legs

spider veins on legs


   Vascular spiders
INFORMATION
TREATMENTS
ZONES
Have you ever wondered what spider veins are? Spider veins are like varicose veins, but smaller.
They are also closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often, they are red or blue. They may look like tree branches or spider webs with short, jagged lines.
They can be found on legs, facial areas such as the nose, cheekbones and other parts of the face. They can cover both a very small and very large area of ​​the skin.
Vascular spiders


Causes of Vascular Spiders
Varicose veins can be caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins. The heart pumps blood rich in oxygen and nutrients throughout the body through the arteries. Veins carry blood continuously from the back of the body to the heart. As the muscles of the legs contract, they push the blood toward the heart from the lower part of the body, away from the flow of gravity.
The veins have valves that act as unidirectional valves to prevent blood from flowing backward as it moves through the legs. If the valves weaken, the blood seeps back into the veins and stays there. This problem is called venous insufficiency. When the blood pool grows, the veins become larger and become varicose veins.
Spider veins can be the cause of such blood collection. It can also be caused by hormonal changes, sun exposure and injuries.
Abnormal veins in the legs
Approximately 50 or 55 percent of women and 40 or 45 percent of men in the United States suffer from some type of venous problem. Varicose veins affect half of people 50 and older.
Factors that increase the appearance of spider veins
There are many factors that increase the chances of a person developing varicose veins or spider veins. These include:
Increase in age As it grows, the valves in the veins can weaken and do not work as well.
Clinic history.Being born with weak venous valves increases the risk. Having family members with venous problems also increases the risk. Almost 50% of people who have varicose veins have a family member who also has them.
The hormonal changes. This happens during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medications that contain estrogen and progesterone can also contribute to the formation of varicose veins or spider veins.
Pregnancy. During pregnancy there is a large increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause the veins to enlarge. The growing uterus puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins improve after childbirth. In the following pregnancies the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins increases.
Obesity. Being overweight or obese exerts extra pressure on the veins. This can lead to the appearance of varicose veins.
The lack of movement. Sitting or standing for a long time forces the veins to work harder to pump blood to the heart. This can be a bigger problem if you are sitting with your legs bent or crossed.
The sun exposure. You can have spider veins marked on the cheeks or nose of a light-skinned person.
Why spider veins usually appear on the legs
Most spider veins appear in the legs due to the pressure of body weight, the force of gravity and the task of bringing blood from the lower part of the body to the heart.
Compared to other veins in the body, the veins of the legs have the most difficult work to bring blood back to the heart, since they have to withstand greater pressure. This pressure can be stronger than the valves in the vein lines.
Are spider veins dangerous?
Spider veins are rarely a serious health problem, but they can cause unpleasant sensations in the legs. If spider veins are present, symptoms of itching or burning are more frequent. Less frequently, spider veins can be the result of an accumulation of blood inside that can not be seen on the skin.
How are spider veins treated?
The treatment of spider veins is to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and improve the appearance
To treat varicose veins that do not cause many symptoms, the doctor may recommend a simple change in lifestyle. If the symptoms are more severe, the doctor may recommend medical treatments. These are some of the options:
The compression stockings usefully press the veins.
Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment to treat spider veins and varicose veins. The doctor uses a needle to inject a liquid chemical into the vein. The chemical causes the walls of the veins to swell, stick, and seal. This stops the flow of blood, and the vein becomes scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein should disappear. This treatment does not require anesthesia and can be performed in the doctor's office. Normal life can be made immediately after treatment.
The treatment must be repeated in the same area more than once. The treatments are done every 4 or 6 weeks. It is possible to have to use gradient compression stockings after sclerotherapy to help with healing and decrease inflammation. This treatment is very effective if done correctly. Possible side effects of sclerotherapy:
Bruises where the injection was performed. These usually disappear soon after treatment.
Stains, brown lines or thin clusters of red blood vessels around the treated vein. These also usually disappear soon after treatment.
Blood tumors that get trapped in the vein and cause inflammation. This is not dangerous. Inflammation can be relieved by applying heat and taking aspirin. The doctor can drain the trapped blood with a small puncture at a follow-up visit.
Vascular spidersHow to prevent spider veins
Not all varicose veins and spider veins can be prevented. However, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of getting new varicose veins and spider veins. These same indications can help to alleviate the discomforts of those that already have:
Use sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun and limit spider veins on the face.
Exercise regularly to strengthen the legs, circulation and venous force. Focus on exercises that work your legs, such as walking or running.
Control the weight to avoid putting too much pressure on your legs.
Do not cross your legs for a long time when you are sitting.
Elevate the legs when you are resting as much as possible.
Not standing or sitting for long periods of time. If you have to stand for a long time, move the weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. If you have to sit for long periods of time, get up and move or walk a little every 30 minutes.
Wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing at the waist, groin or legs.
Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time. Low-heeled shoes can help tone your calf muscles to help move blood through your veins.
Eat a diet low in salt and rich in fiber-rich foods. Eating fiber reduces the risk of constipation, which can contribute to varicose veins. High-fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, such as bran. Eating less salt can help with the swelling that accompanies varicose veins.
Do spider veins appear again after treatment?
Current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins have very high success rates compared to traditional surgical treatments. Over a period of years, however, they can develop again because there is no cure for weak venous valves.
The best treatment to avoid the appearance of spider veins and varicose veins islead a healthy lifestyle and use elastic gradient compression stockings as much as possible during the day.