Spiders. Veins. Spider Veins. Separate or alone, nobody likes them.
They can be a big source of discomfort and insecurity for many, though they are usually harmless. That said, understanding spider veins, what they truly are, how they form, and what you can do about them might give you some comfort.
Here to teach us all about spider veins is Dr. Joshua Tepper.
Spider veins are dilated, tiny veins in the skin that appear as threadlike, serpentine, red or blue lines. The lines, when clustered together have a web-like appearance, thus their unfortunate name.
Some spider veins are barely noticeable while others may be more prominent.
These veins are most common on the thighs, ankles, and calves, though they can also appear in other places.
Women luck out and are more likely to earn these badges of honor more often than men.
Spider veins are the result of blood pooling in the veins near the surface of the skin.
Some cases of spider veins are related to pregnancy, use of birth control pills, genetics, or weight gain. If your parent/s have spider veins, you’re likely to develop them later in life as well.
Although these small veins may make you feel self-conscious, they are—when isolated and in the absence of true varicose veins—harmless.
Treatment of spider veins is elective and for cosmetic purposes, since they don’t really pose harm. The treatment involves direct injection with a tiny needle of a sclerosant (chemical irritant) that destroys the vein wall lining and causes the veins to spasm/collapse.
The small veins will eventually fade over a period of weeks.
Sclerotherapy may require multiple treatments. The risks and pain associated with the procedure are minimal and there is no downtime.
Do you have spider veins, or what you think may be spider veins? Make sure to book an appointment with Dr. Tepper at The Derm for treatment options!