One day you hop out of the shower, and as you dry off, you notice an itchy spot on your leg. You give it a scratch, and then you realize it’s a thin red or bluish web of veins – your first spider vein.
Don’t be too shocked. Spider veins are incredibly common. This issue happens when the one-way valve in the vein wall is damaged over time. Instead of keeping your blood flowing through the vein and back to the heart, the blood begins to pool, increasing the pressure against the vein wall. The vein starts to twist and bulge, creating the spider web that you can see.
Now that we know the basics, here are ten facts you may not know about spider veins.
- Women are more likely to develop spider veins than men, especially during pregnancy. The extra weight and pressure of a growing fetus puts more pressure on the veins in your legs.
- A sneeze or a cough can cause spider veins on your face. Forceful coughing or sneezing can increase pressure on the delicate veins in your face and cause spider veins to appear.
- Sun damage can also cause spider veins, especially on your face.
- Your genetics play a big factor in determining if you will get spider veins. 90% of people with a history of spider veins in their family will develop them too.
- Spider veins can cause itchiness, swelling, muscle aches and skin problems.
- Spider veins are often a minor problem and easily treated, but they will get worse without treatment. If left untreated, you may develop a large painful sore near the affected vein known as a venous ulcer.
- Compression stockings can help improve circulation and relieve discomfort when you have spider veins, but they are just a temporary fix. To completely remove the issue, we recommend treatment from a vein specialist like us.
- Vein treatments like sclerotherapy are often very successful at removing the issue. It may take multiple sessions to dissolve the problem area completely, but recovery from the procedure typically takes only a few days.
- Walking is a recommended part of your aftercare instructions when you seek treatment for spider veins.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle is the best way to prevent spider veins.
If you’ve discovered a few spider veins on your legs or other areas of your body, don’t worry. Call us today to book a consultation for treatment to remove the problem!