Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that most commonly develop on the legs. They look like blue or red jagged lines on top of the skin, though they are actually located beneath the skin's surface. Most spider veins cause no symptoms, but aching, throbbing or burning may occur, especially after periods of prolonged standing. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing complications and improving appearance. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that treatment improves symptoms in as many as 90 percent of cases.
Step 1
Reduce the appearance of small spider veins by elevating your legs often, eating a high-fiber diet that is low in salt, losing weight if you are overweight or obese and exercising regularly. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes and do not stand or sit for prolonged periods without taking a break.
Step 2
Wear compression stockings to reduce spider veins. These garments work by applying pressure to the veins to prevent blood from pooling in the blood vessels. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains that compression stockings come in three types: support hose that offer mild pressure to the entire leg, over-the-counter gradient hose that offer a little more pressure to vulnerable areas, and prescription-strength gradient hose that provide the most pressure to the veins.
Step 3
Undergo sclerotherapy, a procedure that involves an injection of a chemical directly into the affected veins. This chemical triggers the veins to swell and seal shut, thereby ending blood flow. Over time, the vein changes into scar tissue and fades. Sclerotherapy is typically performed on an outpatient basis and requires little to no recovery time. Multiple treatments may be necessary.
Step 4
Try laser therapy if your spider veins fail to respond to sclerotherapy. During laser therapy, bursts of light enter through the skin and cause the affected veins to fade. As many as five treatments may be required before the veins are completely gone, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Things You'll Need
- Compression stockings
