If the title of this article caught your eye, that may be because you belong to the estimated 30 to 60 percent of the adult population who suffers from this condition. In short, Spider Veins (medical term Telangiectasias) are red, purple or blue swollen red vessels that twist across the skin, and although they are usually harmless and cause no pain, they are, nevertheless, a lasting reminder that the hourglass never stops its unforgiving flow and our skin will never be as smooth and fair as when we were teenagers.
Fortunately, there are several ways to cosmetically treat Spider Veins, but first let’s analyze what the usual causes are of this widely felt condition.
Spider Veins can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most easily seen on the skin, mucous membranes and the whites of the eyes, and are usually a reaction to excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, pregnancy, aging or even genetics. People who work jobs that involve a lot of standing up, who are obese, and women who use birth control pills are more prone to developing Spider Veins.
It is always a good idea to consult with your health care provider if you’ve just found out that you may suffer from a case of Spider Veins, especially if they are accompanied by aching, cramping or tiredness, because they might be a red light for some other, more serious health issue. But don’t fret too much, it is probably just a sign of the years going by.
So what can we do to hide these twisted marks of the years? The easiest, most practical approach is to use support stockings that are sold in most pharmacies. They come in above the knee, below the knee and pantyhose styles and they can be a big help if your legs are aching or cramping.
Anther solution is Schlerotherapy, a simple treatment that has been used since the 1930’s that involves injecting a concentrated saline solution into the vein, which will cause the swelling to reduce in the space of three to six weeks.
If you prefer a treatment that doesn’t involve needles or sclerosing solutions, you may want to try laser treatment, which uses heat energy to selectively destroy the abnormal veins.
And for those with strong enough willpower, there is always, of course, the choice of lifestyle change – good skin hygiene, weight loss, a proper diet and exercise can prove to be a big breakthrough in dealing with aging related issues. Remember to make time to take care of your body. You only have one.
