Having spider veins in your feet may detract from their once-youthful appearance, but according to The National Women's Health Information Center, they are usually harmless and fairly common among 60 percent of all American women and men as they age. The most common concern stems from vanity, as women search for a natural looking way to minimize the appearance of spider veins.
Significance
Spider veins, also known as "telangectasias," begin as tiny capillaries you can see beneath your skin. They appear as either blue or red lines that fan out like a web or the branches of a tree. Spider veins can start emerging as early as your late teens and usually hit their maximum between your 50s and 60s. Although unsightly, spider veins aren't a serious health problem. You may, however, feel some aching, itching and night cramps. If they become bothersome, talk to your doctor.
Causes
According to WomensHealth.gov, there are several conditions that can attribute to spider veins, such as hormonal changes, sun exposure, heredity, aging and weight gain. Also, any increase in pressure on your feet, including prolonged standing, can lead to spider veins in your feet.
Prevention
There is no cure for spider veins, although there are some measures you can take to prevent them in your feet. The National Women's Health Information Center suggests you minimize sun exposure, exercise regularly and avoid wearing restrictive clothes and shoes.
Solutions
If you do develop spider veins, you have treatment options, although they are for cosmetic purposes only. Having spider veins is not a medical condition requiring surgery. If you experience pain or swelling associated with your spider veins, you can wear compression stockings. One process of removal involves injecting the veins using small needles with a solution causing them to collapse and fade. It may take several treatments to reach a desired effect. Another more commonly used option is laser therapy, especially if the spider veins are too small for a needle. The intense light of the laser eliminates the spider veins permanently. For a non-surgical cosmetic fix, there is makeup available specifically designed to conceal spider veins, such as ColorTration.
Misconceptions
Spider veins are commonly misunderstood. Here are some common misconceptions to help you better understand between fact and fiction from the website of plastic surgeon Dr. Lorin Busselberg. The following statements are all false.
1. Only women get spider veins.
2. Topical creams cure spider veins.
3. You can cure spider veins with a suntan.
4. Only old people get spider veins.
5. Spider veins are a serious health problem.
6. Smoking causes spider veins.
7. Crossing your legs causes spider veins.
8. Untreated spider veins turn into varicose veins.
