Spider Veins - Forms and Types of Spider Veins By Tim Faber

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins usually develop just under the surface of the skin. These veins are tiny blood vessels and capillaries and they measure between 1 mm and 3 mm in diameter. Spider veins do not have a specific area of the body that they are contained to and can develop around any part. However they are generally found on the legs and ankles and sometimes on the face near the chin and nose area. When these veins start becoming larger they can cause discomfort in the legs, like heaviness, itchiness and cramps. Spider veins appear as red purple or bluish, fine and short lines. They are usually in a starburst formation or clusters giving them the look of a spider's web under the surface of the skin.

Who is prone to Spider Veins?

Although spider veins is a very common occurrence in women, they occur in both women and men. There is no single cause for the development of spider veins in an individual. Factors that play an important role in the development of these kinds of veins are heredity, age, gender, pregnancy and lifestyle.

• Heredity - If this condition runs in the family history then one is more likely to be prone to it
• Age - Spider veins generally develop between the ages of 18 to 35. However they peak during the age from 50 to 60
• Gender - Although spider veins occur both in men and women, women are more prone to this condition
• Pregnancy - Pregnancy plays a major role in the development of spider veins. This occurs as the hormones that circulate weaken the vein walls. Added to this is the fact that there is an increase in the amount of blood that flows through the veins during pregnancy which distends the veins. Spider veins that are caused due to this generally disappear after delivery
• Lifestyle - People who sit or stand for prolonged periods of time or wear binding clothing are also prone to spider veins.

Types of Spider Veins

Spider veins are known by various names such as Telangiectasias, sunburst varicosities and broken veins. They appear as purple, blue or red blood vessels that lie close under the skin. These are group of veins that have common appearances such as spider like or spider web like shape, linear shaped spider veins and tiny branch like. Because of their appearance spider veins have also very often been associated with varicose veins. And, simialr to varicose veins, it is thought the primary causes of spider veins are a result of damaged valves. Blood flows through the veins and capillaries and valves fail to open - either capturing the blood and increasing the vein's pressure, or extending branched capillaries.

Spider Vein Treatment

Spider vein treatment is generally an option of out-patient laser surgery or the use of a spider vein cream. Lasers are used to cut off blood supply to the damaged valve or vein branch, and treatment often extends to "burning" smaller veins of trapped blood. Scars from laser treatment rarely form, but should be treated with antibacterial ointments or creams - taking speacial care where there were facial spiders veins.

A spider vein cream can also prove to be useful. Many skin care products utilize Vitamin K. Vitamin K , as a topical application, is known to help heal and strengthen vein walls and help eliminate the appearance of spider veins when used for several months.

For information on skin care products, skin care, and skin products for targeted skin care - anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, acne, skin rashes, cellulite, spider veins, sunburn relief, tanning products and scars, visit SkinEnergizer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Faber