Spider veins also referred to as thread veins, red veins, or damaged veins not only the appearance but can also cause serious discomfort if not provided with proper and timely treatment. Medically, they are termed telangiectasia. These are small, slightly dilated blood vessels that become prominent as they run close to the skin surface. Typically, they are not considered as a harmful or painful condition. They manifest as thin red, blue, or purple branches, wiggly lines, or webs that cause a ruddy skin appearance mostly around the cheek area and nose, and legs. Their presence can make individuals more conscious of their looks and lower their self-confidence, which is why people seek spider vein treatment.

It has been seen that women are more prone to developing spider veins as compared to men. They are deemed to be unsightly and can act as a warning sign for some blood circulatory problems, however, they are not associated with any underlying medical condition. They aren’t something that can be treated at home, they require medical intervention by a dermatologist to either reduce their appearance or remove them. One can visit DNA Skin Clinic, the best dermatology clinic in Bangalore for spider vein treatment provided by Dr. Priyanka Reddy.

Causes of Spider Veins

Spider veins of the legs usually occur because of the improper functioning of the valves present inside the veins that carry blood back to the heart. When these valves become damaged or weak, the blood flow may not take place in the forward direction. Instead, it could move backward and pool inside the veins. Eventually, this could create a bulge in the vein with branches coming out, i.e. the spider veins.
On the face, the spider veins are often caused by the bursting of the tiny blood vessels due to increased pressure on them and sun damage.

Various risk factors can contribute to the development of spider veins. These include:

Family history
Obesity
Long-standing or sitting jobs such as teachers, hairstylists, factory workers, and others
Intake of birth control pills
Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause

A history of having blood clots or vein damage
Sun or UV damage
Skin injury or trauma
Excess pressure in the face during childbirth or forceful sneezing, coughing, or vomiting
Conditions that exert great pressure in the abdomen such as constipation, tumors, and wearing of girdles
Old age - The veins tend to lose their strength with increasing age

Treatment options for Spider Veins at DNA Skin Clinic

The most conservative approach for treating leg veins is simply wearing compression stockings. Another way is to make changes in the lifestyle by focussing on good skin hygiene, walking, and losing weight (if required).

Following are some of the most effective treatments for spider veins:

Sclerotherapy In this treatment, an irritant is directly injected into the affected vein to irritate its walls so that they stick together and allow the blood to flow into the area. This can help reduce swelling and shrink the veins. Over time, the spider veins can vanish or fade away. But several treatments are required to achieve the desired results. The process of disappearing spider veins may take up to 6 weeks.
Endovenous Laser Ablation This procedure involves the insertion of a small laser fiber into the vein. To make this possible, a tiny incision is made close to the vein and a small catheter is put inside which is tipped with a laser fiber that heats the inside of the blood vessel. As a result, the veins collapse. This treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. It is an innovative, minimally-invasive, safe, and complication-free treatment. The spider veins may disappear after several months or take up to a year.
Radiofrequency Occlusion This treatment is similar to the endovenous laser ablation with the only difference that here the radiofrequency energy is delivered inside the vein to heat inside of the vein, cause its collapse, and seal shut it. It is associated with minimal pain and speedy recovery.
IPL Therapy or Laser Treatment The other option is to use laser resurfacing (use of a focussed beam of light) and intense pulsed light treatments. In IPL therapy, a single emitted wavelength of light is used by emitting pulses of different bands of light to the targeted areas. These work on the principle of selective photo thermolysis of the abnormal veins. They are a minimally-invasive treatment that does not make use of any surgical needles or sclerosis solutions. The IPL treatment can be performed when sclerotherapy and lasers are ineffective for the treatment of spider veins.

Tips to prevent Spider Veins

Some measures can help reduce the chances of the development of spider veins. These include:

Exercise regularly to improve muscle tone
Avoid prolonged standing or standing. If sitting for long, it is advised to take breaks and walk around after every 30 minutes and if standing for long, give some rest to the legs after every half an hour.
Maintain a healthy weight.
When resting, keep the legs elevated for some time.
While sitting, avoid crossing of legs at the knees or ankles for a long duration.

Do not wear tight-fitted clothing around the groin, waist, and legs.
Avoid wearing heels for long periods.
Daily wear broad-spectrum sunscreens for preventing spider veins on the face and also wear sun-protective clothing including hats when going out in the sun.
Do not overuse the hot tubs or saunas as excessive heat can lead to swelling of veins and increase the risk of development of dilated, bulging leg veins.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.1 Are Spider Veins same as Varicose Veins

Ans. No, they are not the same. Although both the conditions are caused by non-functioning veins but spider veins are smaller and thinner in comparison to varicose veins. Another difference is that people with spider veins rarely experience any pain but it is common in people with varicose veins.

Q.2 Which is the most affected body part by Spider Veins?

Ans. This condition affects legs and feet in most people.

Q.3 Can Spider Veins recur?

Ans. Yes, especially in cases of genetic predisposition it is possible that spider veins may recur. However, with modern dermatological treatments most patients get long-lasting results.

Q. 4 How much does Spider Vein Treatment Cost in Bangalore?

Ans. Like any other treatment, the cost of spider vein removal treatment may vary depending on various factors. These factors include the severity of the spider veins, the area to be treated, chosen treatment modality, and the expertise of the dermatologist.

DNA Skin Clinic

803, Promenade, 2nd Cross, 80 Feet Road, Opp. Banaswadi Sub Registrar Office, HRBR Layout 1st Block, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043

Clinic Timing :

Monday - Sunday : 10 AM – 7 PM

Phone:

+91-73380 10101 | +91-7338444555

Email:

info@dnaskinclinic.in

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