Approximately 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United States have some kind of vein problem, such as spider veins or varicose veins. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. They look like spiderwebs on the skin's surface. Vitamins may play a role in the treatment of spider veins.
Causes of Spider Veins
A backup of blood is the main cause for spider veins. A lack of nutrients may also contribute to spider veins. Age is a factor too. As you get older, the valves in your veins get weaker, thereby increasing the chances of a blood backup. Hormone changes, such as during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, and injuries may also lead to spider veins. Sun exposure may be to blame for spider veins on the nose and cheeks of a person with fair skin.
Copper
Copper is an essential trace element that plays a role in energy production, iron metabolization and the formation of connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments. Copper also has antioxidant properties, which means it helps combat free radicals. Free radicals contribute to premature aging. Spider veins are a symptom of a copper deficiency, according to the book "Dead Doctors Don't Lie" by Dr. Joel D. Wallach, D.V.M., and Dr. Ma Lan, M.D. Other symptoms may include varicose veins, grey hair, hernias, anemia, high blood cholesterol, arthritis, and liver cirrhosis. Copper deficiencies are uncommon. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be deficient in copper.
Vitamin K
The belief that vitamin K is beneficial for spider veins is unlikely. People apply vitamin K to their skin to remove spider veins as well as other undesirable marks seen on the skin like bruises and scars. There is insufficient evidence to prove that vitamin K is effective for reducing spider veins, according to MedlinePlus, a service for the National Institutes of Health. But a study published in "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" in September 2001 found that using vitamin K cream after laser treatment decreases the severity of bruising. Laser treatments are a treatment option for spider veins.
Spider Vein Treatments
Laser treatments may remove spider veins and even smaller varicose veins. The laser shoots bursts of light through the skin and onto the vein, causing the vein to slowly fade away. Laser treatments are mildly painful and usually more than one session is necessary. Laser treatments do not work for all skin types. Sclerotherapy is the most common form of treatment for spider veins. A doctor injects a liquid chemical into the vein with a needle, which makes the vein walls swell until they seal shut. With the vein shut, blood cannot circulate through it and eventually the vein turns into scare tissue and fades away.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Below-the-belt Dermatological Conditions
- Womenshealth.gov: Varicose Veins and Spider Veins Fact Sheet
- Huntington College of Health Sciences; Vitamins A, D, K & Beta Carotene; Art Presser, PharmD; 2009
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; The Effects of Topical Vitamin K on Bruising After Laser Treatment; Neha S. Shah, M.D., et al.; August 2002
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin K
- Group Benefits Agency, Inc.; Importance of Vitamins; January 2010
