Unfortunately, the term spider vein is no stranger to many women, as about 50 to 55 percent of women in the United States have a vein condition, whether it is spider veins, varicose veins or both. If you only have spider veins, you have the lesser of the two vein problems, but that can be small consolation if its appearance causes you unhappiness. Fortunately, there are treatments for this condition, and even steps that can help prevent them.
Definition
Spider veins are small blood vessels that run beneath the skin's surface. Their color can be red or blue, and they can form separate short lines or be connected in a sun-like pattern. These veins can cover a small area of the body and can prove to be inconspicuous in appearance, or they can be rather noticeable when they cover a large area. They are most frequently seen on the legs, but can also appear on the face and other areas.
Causes
Women may develop spider veins when vein valves--which are meant to prevent blood traveling up to the heart from going back down--are weak and allow blood to leak down into the veins and accumulate. Because blood traveling from the legs to the heart has the most pressure from gravity to overcome, spider veins are usually found on the legs. Other causes include hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, or medicines containing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Sun exposure can cause spider veins on the face of fair-skinned people.
Misconceptions
It is widely perceived that only older women are susceptible to spider veins, but younger women may also develop them, especially if they are pregnant or have a job that requires them to stand for long periods of time. It is also thought that spider veins are solely hereditary, when in reality this factor may make you somewhat more likely to get them, but preventative steps may help avoid them. Conversely, a lack of family history does not ensure immunity.
Prevention
Although spider veins cannot always be prevented, you can reduce your chances of developing them. Leg-focused exercise---such as running or walking---improves circulation, leg and vein strength. Sustaining a healthy weight will cause less pressure on the legs. If you must sit or stand for long periods, make sure to take frequent breaks. Wearing gradient compression support stockings as much as possible during the day can help by putting "helpful" pressure on the veins, according to the National Women's Health Information Center.
Treatment
The good news for women who already have spider veins is that there is an 80 to 90 percent chance of a "greatly improved appearance" when treated with laser or injection, says the American Academy of Dermatology. The most common form of treatment is sclerotherapy, where a doctor injects a liquid chemical into the vein, which causes the vein walls to swell until they seal shut, and the vein fades away after a few weeks. Another popular treatment is surface laser, where light is directed at the vein through the skin, causing the vein to slowly disappear. Although these treatments are highly successful, there is no cure for weak vein valves, therefore new spider veins may later appear in a treated area.
