What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins by definition are also medically referred to as Telangiectasias are small dilated blood vessel near the surface of the skin, measuring between 0.5 and 1 millimeter in diameter. These small superficial blood vessels can appear red, blue or even purple in the skin. Spider veins most commonly occur on the legs, but are also found on the face or other areas of the body.
These dilated blood vessels may be short, burst like patterns, about the with of a hair form “sunburst” like patterns. Spider veins may look like a spider web or a tree with branches. Every body is different and depending on your lifestyle, health issues and physical appearance, spider veins will look different on everyone. Some patients may have light, small patches, while others can have darker, more severe spidering covering an entire leg.
If left untreated, spider veins can lead to larger dilated blood vessels called varicose veins which are more raised and ropy often lying closer to the skin surface.
Spider veins while not preventable, are easily treatable, most effectively by sclerotherapy injections. There is about a 90 percent chance for a greatly improved appearance.
Can spider veins be prevented?
Spider veins cannot be prevented there are several things you can do to help minimize spider veins and also speed up recovery after treatment.
- Wearing support hose may minimize unwanted blood vessels from developing.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Exercising regularly, especially cardio based workouts to promote healthy circulation.
- Wearing low-heeled shoes.