Spider veins, otherwise known as "nevus araneus," "spider telangectasias" and "spider nevus," often occur on the face, hands, legs and chest, advise the doctors at Crutchfield Dermatology. These small, yet enlarged, superficial blood vessels appear through the skin with red, purple or blue tints. The exact cause of facial spider veins varies from person to person. Treatments include home remedies, electrosurgery, laser therapy or intense pulsed light therapy.
Home Remedies
Various home treatments help diminish and prevent facial spider veins. Facial massage improves the blood circulation in your face. Performing a facial massage twice a day may produce the best results, states the Health Guidance website. A moisturizer or sunscreen may be applied during the facial massage. Eating a diet high in fiber and low in sodium content may help prevent the development of future spider veins. Taking supplements of vitamins C and E may also help to reduce spider veins, as they benefit blood circulation and strengthen veins.
Electrosurgery
Electrosurgery is especially suited to treat spider veins on the face because healing occurs more rapidly with little discomfort. During electrosurgery, an electric current passes from a hand-held needle to the spider vein. The electric current destroys the vein. Although this method may be painful, it does not take long, and most patients tolerate it well, according to the DermaNetwork website. Some patients require a local anesthetic, especially for larger areas of veins. Rare side effects include bleeding, scarring or discoloration in the treatment location.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy requires the use of vascular lasers, called "pulsed dye lasers." These lasers target the blood cells in spider veins. Vascular lasers destroy blood vessels without harming any surrounding tissue, advises DermaNetwork. Typically, one to three treatments are needed, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart. Patients often compare the pain of laser therapy to having a rubber band snapped on their skin. The most common side effect involves darkening of the treatment area, which typically fades gradually and occurs in only 10 percent of patients.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) is similar to laser therapy. However, IPL requires the use of broadband light, which does not damage the epidermis (the top layer of skin). This makes recovery time minimal, if not non-existent, which is also ideal for treating facial skin. IPL tends to require three to six treatments, spaced 3 weeks apart. According to the experts at DermNet.org, side effects may include slight pain during the procedure, bruising, slight change in skin color or hair loss.
Considerations
Be sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of treatment with your dermatologist before undergoing any treatment option. Some patients find that new spider veins form in the same area where they were previously treated. Treatment of the underlying cause of the spider veins will help prevent new spider veins from appearing. Common causes include acne, rosacea, sun exposure and flushing of the skin.
