What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are superficial, thin, blue, or red veins that spread out on your skin, resembling a spider web. They develop most often in the legs and face. Spider veins are different from varicose veins, which are larger, bulging, and develop in deeper layers of skin.
Risk Factors for Developing Spider Veins
You are at increased risk of developing spider veins if you:
- Have a family history of spider veins
- Have circulatory or vascular issues
- Are overweight, obese, or pregnant
- Take birth control pills
- Spend extended periods standing
- Cross your legs while sitting
How Your Dermatologist Can Treat Spider Veins
Your dermatologist has a safe, effective treatment to eliminate spider veins. It’s known as sclerotherapy. During sclerotherapy treatment, liquid is injected into the spider veins, causing them to close up. The closure of smaller spider veins causes blood to divert to larger, healthier veins. Over time, the spider veins dry up and disappear, eventually reabsorbing back into your body.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a popular treatment for spider veins and offers some important benefits. Consider that sclerotherapy treatment is:
- Quick and can be completed in about 10 to 30 minutes
- Convenient and can be performed on an outpatient basis
- Comfortable, requiring no anesthetic
Sclerotherapy treatment also requires only about an hour of downtime, so it’s easy to return to enjoying your day.
How To Prevent Spider Veins
There are several steps you can take to help prevent spider veins. It’s important to:
- Change your position frequently
- Avoid standing or staying seated for long periods
- Avoid tight clothing, which can restrict circulation
- Increase circulation by exercising regularly
- Avoid crossing your legs
Want To Know More About Spider Veins?
To learn more about the prevention, causes, and treatment of spider veins, call Dr. Goodman at Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery in Peoria, AZ. You can reach him in the office by calling (623) 254-7375, so call today.
