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The
Condition
Unsightly Leg Veins have two types: Spider Veins and
Varicose Veins.
Spider
Veins are the small, thin, super-fine veins lying close to
the skin surface that is also known as telangiectasias
or sunburst varicosities. Spider Veins can be caused by
activities requiring prolonged sitting or standing, the use
of certain medicines, pregnancy or other things causing
hormonal shifts and/or weight gains. Spider Veins have
three basic patterns. One, it can have veins radiating
outward from a dark central point resembling a true spider.
Two, the veins can take branch-like shapes going outwards
resembling trees. And three, the veins can be linear or in
the form of thin, separate lines usually found on the inner
knee. The first two patterns are usually found in the outer
thigh area.
Varicose Veins are the larger veins usually having a
diameter of more than a quarter inch, observed to have a
darker purple or blue color than the rest of the skin.
Varicose Veins have the tendency to bulge, can cause pain
and are typically related to more serious vein disorders.
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Treatments Available
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Vascular Specific Laser Treatment
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Sclerotherapy
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What are Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?
A:
When
blood is pumped, veins become one-way valves preventing the
blood from flowing backwards. When these veins become weak,
some of the blood can go back and just stay there. This
condition will cause the veins to be abnormally enlarged,
creating Spider Veins or Varicose Veins.
Spider
Veins are small, thin, super-fine veins lying close to the
skin surface. These may resemble a tree branch or spider
web and are usually found on the legs or the face, covering
either a very small or very large part of the skin. While
Varicose Veins are the larger veins that have a darker
purple or blue color and also have the tendency to look like
cords, twisted and bulging.
Q:
How common are unsightly leg veins?
A:
It is
reported that about 60% of American women and men are
suffering from some form of vein disorder, but women are
more affected, showing an estimated 41% suffering from
unsightly leg veins before they hit age 50.
Q:
What causes Spider and Varicose veins?
A: There
is no one cause for unsightly leg veins, but there are
several factors that can be considered like heredity or
having weak vein valves, hormones and other things causing
hormonal shifts like pregnancy and menopause, even the
intake of birth control pills can cause women to develop
unsightly leg veins. Some other factors that may cause
unsightly leg veins include aging, obesity, leg injuries and
prolonged sitting or standing, while spider veins found on
the face may be because of sun exposure.
Q:
Why do Spider and Varicose Veins usually appear in the
legs?
A:
Veins
in the legs have a harder time carrying blood back to the
heart. This difficulty is due to pressure and force of
gravity, making these one-way valves clogged or bulged
causing the legs to be the primary location for Spider Veins
and Varicose Veins.
Q:
Are they painful or dangerous?
A:
Varicose Veins are usually conditions potentially causing
pain and are typically related to more serious vein
disorders. They may cause swelling, throbbing, itching or
cramping mostly in the leg area.
Sometimes both Spider Veins and Varicose Veins cause serious
problems and would require medical treatment. They may
cause severe clogging of blood in the veins preventing it to
return to the heart called venous insufficiency, which can
cause other problems like a deep-vein thrombosis or blood
clot or a severe bleeding infection. Also, Varicose Veins
may result in sores or skin ulcers because the skin tissue
around it might
not receive enough nourishment.
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