What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins (or telangectasia) are dilated very superficial veins which appear like reddish or bluish short lines, “starburst” clusters or a web-like maze. Reticular veins are larger and slightly deeper and appear as long bluish, usually flat veins.
Spider veins are the small yet unsightly clusters of pink and purple thread like veins that lie near the surface of the skin. They begin as tiny capillaries and appear as blue or red squiggles. They are small red, blue or purple veins that commonly appear on the surface of the thighs, calves and ankles. It's estimated that at least one third of the adult female population is troubled with this common problem. People often seek treatment for spider veins because of cosmetic concern. However, it is also common for spider veins to cause symptoms, such as aching, heaviness, itching and night cramps.
They are commonly found in the leg but can also appear in the face and other parts of the body. It is estimated that more than half of the female population has this cosmetic problem.
Spider veins may be isolated or associated with “feeder” veins. They can also be associated with larger underlying varicose veins.
Spider veins usually take on one of three forms:
- They may appear in a spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a central point.
- They may appear in a pattern that resembles branches on a tree
- They may be in a linear pattern that appear as thin separate lines.
Certain factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy, hormonal factors, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and trauma.
What causes Spider Veins?
The causes of varicose and spider veins are not entirely understood. In some instances, the absence or weakness of valves in the veins, which prevent the backward flow of blood away from the heart, may cause the poor circulation. In other cases, weaknesses in the vein walls may cause the pooling of the blood. Less commonly, varicose veins are caused by such diseases as phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) or congenital abnormalities of the veins. Venous disease is generally progressive and cannot be prevented entirely. However, in some cases, wearing support hosiery and maintaining normal weight and regular exercise may be beneficial.
The cause of spider veins is not completely known. They seem to run in families. Identical twins can be affected in the same area of the body and to the same extent. The condition rarely occurs as part of an internal disease.
Spider veins appear in both men and women, but more frequently in women. Female hormones may play a role in their development. Puberty, birth control pills, pregnancy, or hormone replacement therapy may contribute to them. They may also appear after an injury or as a result of wearing tight girdles or hosiery held up with elastic bands. Varicose veins occur mainly from genetic susceptibility.
A number of factors can make one prone to spider veins. These include:
- Heriditary factors. Some people are born with a weaker set of veins and this can be inherited in the family. These weak veins will enlarge to form spider veins when subjected to pressure. That is the reason why varicose veins and spider veins tend to run in the family.
- Pregnancy. This is by far the most potent cause of spider veins formation. During pregnancy, surging hormones, larger blood volume and pressure from an enlarging uterus all contribute to enlargement of leg veins. After pregnancy, almost 80 percent of these veins will disappear within 3 months. Therefore it is advisable to wait a few months before seeking treatment.
- Prolonged standing and sitting exert pressure on the leg veins as gravitational forces encourage blood to stay in the leg.
- Tight clothing can cause constriction around the waist and leg and impede blood circulation. High heel shoes restrict calf muscle function and circulation.
- Sun exposure is well known to cause spider veins on the face especially around the nose. However sudden temperature changes and high humidity has not been proven to be a causative factor.
Spider Vein Prevention
Since the causes are still undetermined, prevention of varicose veins is debatable. However, below are some tips that may help in the prevention of varicose veins and spider veins:
- Elevate your legs when possible, keeping your feet positioned higher than heart level.
- Exercise daily. Walking, climbing stairs, cycling and swimming keep your calf muscles in motion to activate the calf muscle pump. This reduces pooling and pressure in the veins.
- Move your legs frequently. Flexing your ankles periodically will pump the blood out of your legs (simulating walking). During periods of prolonged sitting or standing, flex your ankles 10 times and repeat this every 10 minutes. Try to avoid sitting for extended periods throughout your day.
- Support compression hose. These provide external graduated counter-pressure to aid in venous blood flow to the heart. They reduce pooling and pressure in the veins. They also may reduce the risk of forming a deep vein blood clot. Consider wearing them during long plane or car rides.
- Maintain your ideal body weight to reduce excess pressure on your legs.
- Avoid prolonged sitting and standing. On long car or plane trips activate your calf muscle pump by moving your feet up and down frequently as described above. You should also consider stopping for short walks every few hours.
- Avoid excessive heat on your legs, such as hot tubs and hot baths. Heat will tend to increase vein distention and lead to more pooling of blood.
In case a vein ruptures and starts to bleed it is advisable to immediately elevate your leg and compress the area. Contact your physician or seek emergency medical care immediately.
Do Spider Veins cause pain?
Spider veins usually do not cause any pain or discomfort. They are not harmful to health. However in some people, the presence of Spider Veins can be an indication of early varicose vein disorder. In these cases, a person can experience aches and cramps in the calf and occasionally pain around the veins.
Treatment of Spider Veins
Beverly Hills Medical Group is a one-stop medical centre that caters to the management of all stages of vein disorder; from diagnosis to laser elimination of spider veins and non surgical treatment of the more serious varicose veins. As each patient case vary, we have a wide selection of treatment options that can be tailored to each case. These services include:
- Duplex Ultrasound
Duplex ultrasound scanning is first used to evaluate the condition of the varicose veins. As varicose veins result from the incompetence of leg valves, leading to abnormal blood flow, the use of Duplex ultrasound is therefore one of the most accurate methods for determining the location of the leaking valves. Once the incompetent valve is localized, a suitable treatment method can then be selected. This procedure is conducted by a trained surgeon.
- Endovenous Laser (EVLT) Technique
Endovenous Laser Treatment, or EVLT, is an alternative to surgical procedures for enlarged veins. EVLT is done under local anaesthesia and it works by heating the inside of the vein, which causes it to seal shut and disappear.
EVLT requires a very thin laser fiber be inserted into the damaged underlying vein. The surgeon first uses an ultrasound machine to map the vein and then numbs the area with local anaesthesia. A needle is then placed into the lower end of the diseased underlying vein, through which a small shealth is put into the vein. Laser energy is then delivered to the fiber, which causes the vein to close as the fiber is gradually removed.
After the endovenous laser treatment, any remaining residual surface varicose veins with either sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy.
The advantages of using EVLT include:
1. Office procedure
2. Minimal Discomfort/Pain
3. No Downtime (Patient can return to normal activity immediately)
4. No anaesthesia/Hospitalization required
5. No Incision /Scar Mark
- Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a technique that involves the use of a very fine needle to inject a solution, called a sclerosant, directly into the veins. The solution causes the lining of the vein wall to a swell, which eventually seals off the blood vessel. Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy uses high tech ultrasound machines to provide a visual window, so that medication can be administered onto precise locations in the vein.
With this technique, sclerotherapy is done while the doctor visually monitors the vein on an ultrasound screen. This enables treatment of veins that can’t be seen because they are below the surface of the skin. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes and is done with no anaesthesia or local anaesthesia. This method is only effective for smaller veins and branching veins. About 60 to 70 % of these veins will disappear after one injection session, but often multiple session (usually 2 to 3) may be needed to clear these veins satisfactorily.
- Micro-Sclerotherapy with Vein-Lite
Vein-lite is a special imaging device that uses Advanced Transillumination Technology to visualize veins. The Vein Clinic utilizes Vein-Lite to find those hard to locate spider veins during Micro-Sclerotherapy, in order to achieve accurate elimination of these veins.
- Veinwave
Veinwave is one of the most effective treatments available for red veins. Thermo-coagulation is based on a high frequency wave producing a thermal lesion with protection of the skin. This exclusive method is effective and relatively painless. Equipped with a magnifying loop, the surgeon introduces a fine needle over the vein and in most cases it disappears instantaneously. There is no bandaging required. Veinwave can be applied to any kind of skin complexion because it does not cause loss of pigmentation. It treats red spots and all spider veins on the legs and the feet as well as troublesome facial red veins. The sterile needle, for single use, is covered with an insulating shealth which protects the skin, enabling a targeted action without any side effects.
- Mini-Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a method of removing varicose veins on the surface of the legs. It is done in the office under local anaesthesia. This procedure involves making tiny punctures or incisions through which the varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small no stitches are required. Veins are very collapsible such that even larger veins may be removed through the tiny incisions used in this technique. The patient is able to walk following the procedure.
After treatment, a compression bandage and/or compression stocking are worn to reduce pressure in the veins to increase flow in the veins and reduce the chances of forming a blood clot.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense pulsed light sources provide safe and effective, non-surgical treatment options for the removal of spider veins. The advanced IPL treatments allow your doctor to deliver a precise dosage of energy to each vein, with minimal risk to the skin. During your treatment, light energy is delivered to the targeted vein, in a series of short and/or long pulses. The light energy is absorbed by the blood vessels. This heat absorption causes a clogging of the blood vessel, and a gradual absorption by the body. As a result, the veins will slowly fade and disappear over time. This method of treatment has the advantage in treating finer spider veins which are too small to inject.
There are many other varicose vein treatments out there which include laser surgeries, catheter-assisted procedures and endoscopic vein surgeries. Please consult your physician or other medical care provider regarding what type of treatment is best for you.
Please also remember that current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins are highly successful. However, it's possible that varicose veins can recur.
Always Be a Cautious Consumer. Before, undergoing any procedure, ask your doctor about any health risks and possible side effects.
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