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.

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Pain in the Legs Caused by Varicose Veins by Justin DiMateo

Varicose veins are found in both men and women. There's a common misconception that women suffer more than men, although some research and studies have indicated that men, in fact, are more affected by large varicose veins than women.

One reason for this misconception may be that some men are less likely than women to seek treatment for various health conditions, and some data collections are based on the number of patients with the condition that are examined by healthcare providers. The veins may even be more difficult to see on men than on women, as men tend wear long pants more than women, and have more hair their legs that may cover up the condition to an extent. While many believe that men and women are equally affected by varicose veins, there are still those who hold that women are more affected.

Many women are first affected by the venous condition during pregnancy. With the uterus growing, increased pressure is put on the inferior vena cava, which is the large vein on the right side of the body. As a result, this puts added pressure on the veins in the legs, which may lead to varicose veins. Many women, especially those who did not have vein problems before pregnancy, report that their varicose-veins improve after giving birth. If they don't improve, certain treatments may be helpful in providing relief.

Varicose veins appear as bulging and purplish and are considered very unsightly by many individuals. Physical symptoms of varicose-veins may include aching, a burning sensation, swollen ankles, charley horse and night cramps. Individuals suffering from this may also complain of pain after prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

Types of Veins Treatments Treatments may begin with the use of compression stockings and various home remedies such as elevating the legs, weight loss and exercise. If these methods are unsuccessful, other treatments or procedures may be used to bring relief. It is important to determine whether one is suffering from spider veins or varicose veins, as treatment may differ depending on the diagnosis. Some treatments are used for both conditions, while others are specific to either type of vein condition.

Endovenous laser ablation and VNUS Closure FAST are two types of treatments that utilize laser technology to close problem veins. Sclerotherapy may also be used to treat these painful veins, although it tends to be used for spider veins and smaller varicose veins.

How to Prevent Spider Veins

How to Prevent Spider Veins

There are many reasons as to why people get spider veins in the first place. They may be genetically pre-disposed to getting them or their personal lifestyle may enhance their chances of getting them. If a person is pre-disposed, there is little they can do to prevent getting spider veins, although they can work to get rid of them once they do get them. Whether pre-disposed or not, however, there are several ways to lessen the chance of getting spider veins through the practice of good health care.

Good health practice

Working to prevent spider veins takes a solid practice of wise health care choices right from the start. Spider veins may not necessarily be a top priority when a person is young, but they are something that can be addressed in earlier years. In this regard, staying active is a good way to begin. Keeping the blood moving and “working out” the blood vessels can help individual smaller blood vessels become used to higher pressures associated with exercise. Since spider veins occur because the smaller veins in the body are subjected to higher pressures and volumes of blood, having them ready to cope with higher pressures and volumes when they occur is a good first step.

Staying out of the sun is another way to prevent spider vein likelihood with wise choices early on. Exposure to the sun not only opens up a person to skin cancer but also to premature aging, skin drying and loss of plasticity. If staying out of the sun cannot be helped, making sure to use moisturizers and or proven spider vein creams when the spider veins do show up are the best options.

Chosen profession

In the United States, the economy has made a decided shift toward a service economy. Many of the jobs that are associated with this type of economy involve standing for extended periods of time. Since spider vein formation has been found to be associated with standing for extended periods of time over extended periods of time trying to make personal changes to ones work environment can help to prevent spider veins early on. Unfortunately, choices are few for some of these types of work positions and changes can be difficult to make. But since early changes can make the difference, some effort should be made.

Don’t wait

It will be difficult to prevent spider veins if early choices are not made. Unfortunately, people don’t think about spider veins until they have them. The sooner a choice is made to ward off spider veins the more likely that they can be prevented. Spider vein removal is possible, but early detection is the key to longer term health.

Diminish and Heal Unsightly Spider Veins in Legs - by vikram kumar

When I was growing up, I remember noticing the unsightly surface veins on my grandmother's legs and asking her what happened. She assured me that nothing in particular had happened, but that the bluish vein-like spots on her legs were what were known as spider veins.

While generally a cosmetic problem, and rarely a health threat, spider veins in legs are the most common form. What I find to be surprising is that statistics show that 70% of the millions affected by spider veins are women, with 25% being over the age of 40.

While one of the primary reasons for spider veins in legs is caused by seeping, trapped or coagulated blood from the capillaries, it isn't the only reason. Products such as spider vein cream are one of the best products on the market for eliminating or reducing the visible effects of spider veins in legs.

While surgery to remove the spider veins in legs is a viable option to correct the problem, many women would prefer to avoid the recovery time of surgery and prefer to use spider vein cream instead. The spider vein cream is enriched with Vitamin K and is the leading and most effective alternative to laser treatments or surgeries.

While known to be hereditary, spider veins in legs have also been attributed to hormonal changes, such as menopause or even pregnancy. Similarly medications such as to treat thyroid problems or oral contraceptives have also been known to create a change in hormone levels and could also contribute to the weakening of vein walls and allow seepage to take place, creating spider veins in legs.

Spider vein cream works not only visibly but also internally, so that not only are the spider veins in legs less visible, but also the cream treats and aids in healing the spider veins by strengthening the vein walls, improving pliability valve function.

Another cause of spider veins is both lifestyle and environment. Any lifestyle regime that is considered to be 'in excess' can contribute to the cause of spider veins. Obesity, drinking alcohol in excess, prolonged exposure to the sun and smoking are all contributors and deciding one day that you'll stop drinking too much, or stop spending too much time in the sun isn't going to reverse the spider veins you already have, but could possibly help keep you from getting more in the future.

In layman's terms, spider veins in legs are caused by a malfunction or damage of the veins, and while surgery and laser therapy are viable options of treatment, the least invasive is the use of spider vein cream, that is a less expensive and more painless alternative.

If you've been suffering in silence with spider veins, unwilling to wear shorts out in public for fear that someone may notice, remember that you don't have to accept them as a part of life, and can choose to diminish or eliminate them completely with spider vein cream, and in no time you'll be ready to wear those shorts again.

Removing Unsightly Veins - by Jacqueline Cataldo

Benefits and Risks of Removing Veins

Blue lines along the legs are more common than we think. With 15 percent of men and 25 percent of women suffering from varicose veins, it's no wonder many want they removed. The prominent blue veins make individuals feel less than perfect and more insecure about their looks.

Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic concern though. Along with the protruding veins come aches and pains in the legs. Pressure buildups in the legs and within time if not treated, they can cause other problems within the circulatory system.

More often than not there are several risk factors which will put an individual in a higher percentage for varicose veins. If you have a job which requires you stand on your legs for a long time such as a waitress, you may be at a higher risk. If you are overweight or obese, this can put extra pressure on your legs leaving you susceptible for varicose veins. Women are at a greater risk to develop varicose veins as well as older adults and those who have family members with varicose veins.

So what can be done to reverse the process of varicose veins? While tight stockings and alterations of lifestyle may help to an extent, this will not remove the veins. A Dermatologist, however, can remove the varicose veins allowing for a reversal process.

What is Vein Removal?

Before beginning the process of vein removal, your physician will have to examine you to ensure you are a good candidate for this procedure. Some assessments may include an ultrasound of the legs to ensure there are no blood clots and evaluation to see if any ulcers have developed near the ankles.

Two types of removal methods of veins offered by dermatologists include sclerotherapy or laser therapy. Sometimes, depending on the client, the dermatologist will remove the veins with both the sclerotherapy and laser therapy.

Sclerotherapy involves small needles and injections of solution which will help make the veins fade away. While needles are used, this is a non-surgical procedure for the removal of veins. Clients may feel a slight stinging or pinching, but anesthesia is not needed and discomfort is negligible. This method takes approximately a half an hour and depending on the severity of the veins clients will have need to repeat the process several times. For milder cases, patients will see the dermatologist one to two times. For more several cases, the client will continue treatments on a monthly basis until all veins are faded.

Laser removal involves a laser or beam of light which throbs against the vein to help it fade away. This method is used alone for smaller veins or in addition to sclerotherapy. The lasers heat the veins which allow the veins to disband. The heat causes the blood to clot and allows for the disappearance of veins.

Best Candidates for Vein Removal?

Laser therapy is best for individuals with minor veins, or what is known as spider veins. It is preferred that the client is in good physical health and does not smoke. It is also recommended that the best candidate be in good psychological health. Individuals who have the tendency to get keloid scars are not the best candidates. Keloid scars are scars which happen after surgery and grow beyond the surgery point.

Sclerotherapy is also for candidates in the best possible health. Candidates who should not go for sclerotherapy include: Clients with blood-borne disease Clients with infectious disease Clients with cardiac disease Clients with high blood pressure Clients with diabetes Clients who are pregnant Clients who are nursing

Candidates should consult with their physician to come up with a plan for vein removal.

Benefits of Vein Removal

Laser vein removal is the only removal procedure which does not include downtime. Most people continue their daily activities immediately and the only setback is not exercising for a few days.

The biggest benefit for both laser vein removal and sclerotherapy is the actual removal of the veins. With the removal of the veins comes a higher level of self esteem, decreased pain in the area, and an overall better feeling of oneself.

After the Vein Removal

After laser therapy, clients may have redness, bruising, and pain in the area. The client should massage the area, avoid the sun, and even keep the area raised.

After sclerotherapy, the veins will appear much worse before they can appear to be gone or better looking. Bruising occurs and will diminish within a month's time. Leg cramping may occur the first few days as well as swelling and pain. Exercising should be avoided for the first month. Itching may also occur but can decrease with cortisone medications and creams.

The biggest risks which may occur include: Brown-red discoloration for a year Telangiectatic matting, which are additional veins which occur Blood clots Scarring Allergic reaction

If a client follows the correct aftercare procedures of the dermatologist and follows up with the dermatologist and a physician, complication risk will be low.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

Why Are My Legs So Tired, Is It Varicose Veins? - by Peter Jensen MD

Do your legs tire easily? Do they ache? Is it varicose veins? What is it?

Do you feel leg pain when sitting or standing for long periods?

I see this condition all the time at the Utah Vein Treatment Center.

Varicose veins (sometimes misspelled "vericose veins" can cause bothersome symptoms and minor blood clots, and they can change the appearance of the legs.

Nearly 80 million Americans suffer from benign vascular lesions - those crooked purple and blue lines that appear on the surface of the skin called varicose veins.

Almost 50 percent of women between 40 and 50 years of age, and nearly 75 percent of women between 60 and 70 years of age have these surface leg veins. Varicose veins are less common in men.

Still, approximately 25 percent of men 30 to 40 years of age do suffer from the effects of varicose veins, tired, achy legs.

Varicose veins are swollen, stretched, or twisted veins located just under the skin (superficial veins). Varicose veins usually develop in the legs and are often visible.

Varicose veins frequently develop after age 40 and worsen as people age. Varicose veins are very common. They affect more women than men.

Individual varicose veins can be treated. However, unless the cause is a curable disorder, no treatment can cure all of a person's varicose veins.

They usually do not cause serious problems.

Leg veins face a huge job! They have to return blood to the heart in the opposite direction of gravity, which works to keep blood from moving upward.

They couldn't complete their task if they didn't have valves. As blood moves upward in the vein, its valves close so that it can't fall back down.

With varicose veins there is a valve problem. The valves no longer work. Blood stays in the veins, and stretches them out of shape - then you have varicose veins.

Varicose veins can make the legs ache or cause them to tire quickly. Sometimes, the pooled blood leaks fluid out of the veins, so the ankles and feet swell, most often around the ankle.

And then there is the the way they look.

Things you can do for varicose veins are limited but worth trying.

One way to keep blood from pooling is lying down with your legs higher than your heart. That position empties blood out of leg veins. Now I know, you can't spend the entire day with your legs elevated, but elevate them as often as you can.

Another way is compression stockings. The Compression moves blood upward.

Never stand for long in one place. If you have to stay still, tighten your calf and leg muscles to help push blood out of the legs.

Now what about surgical vein treatment and/or removal?

At the Utah Vein Treatment Center, there are many methods of getting rid of these veins. There are endovascular lasers, radiofrequency catheters and other techniques. We only use the latest, newest technologies available.

Long gone are the old days, "stripping of the veins". Surgical procedures have been refined to the point that most patients return home on the day of the procedure which is often performed in the doctors office.

Vericose or Varicose Veins Treatments - What's New? - by Peter Jensen MD

What are varicose veins? (sometimes, mispelled "vericose") Spider veins? what can I do?

Are there new treatments? What about laser vein treatment? What about vein stripping?

Are your legs showing veins that are blue or purplish and look enlarged?

Do they ache? Do they seem to be tired all the time?

The word "varicose" is derived from the Latin root word, "varix" which in English means, "twisted".

Spider veins, the more delicate red or blue tracings that can pop up on the skin's surface like kinky spider webs, are a minor form of varicose veins and can precede development of the more unsightly variation or cause cosmetic concerns of their own. Sun exposure can make spider veins worse by breaking down collagen under the skin.

Both varicose and spider veins result when valves designed to keep blood from running backward away from the heart and back down into the leg fail or become loose and flabby -- allowing backwash, which stretches veins and even slowly leaks into ankle and leg tissue, causing swelling.

Varicose veins are a very common condition in the United States . The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of all men and women suffer from some form of vein disorder. A quarter of varicose vein sufferers are men, although Weiss notes that it is almost always women who seek help for spider veins.

For many (both women and men), varicose veins and spider veins (these are the smaller and more common variation of varicose veins) makes them feel less attractive. However, it's important to note that for others, varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort.

Is it only a cosmetic concern? This condition may lead to serious problems if not treated. Moreover, varicose veins may also serve as an indication that the individual is at a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system.

Varicose veins, these blood vessels, which return blood from the legs to the heart, are actually a more superficial system.

The real, working venous system for the legs lies deeper, This is good news, because it means that if the surface veins begin to clump up and bulge, they can be removed or destroyed without ruining circulation to the leg.

There are varicose vein treatments out there which include laser surgeries, catheter-assisted procedures and endoscopic vein surgeries.

Long gone are the old days, "stripping of the veins". Surgical procedures have been refined to the point that most patients return home on the day of the procedure which is now performed in the doctors office.

At the Utah Vein Treatment Center, Times are changing. We now use ultrasound to look at the circulatory system of the leg, This means taking a sharp, two-dimensional picture instead of a doctor listening to blood flow in the leg with a Doppler device and trying to decide which veins are affected and where.

Stripping is rare and hardly ever done anymore. Now, a thin catheter may be inserted into the affected vein and the whole inside of the vein, called the lumen, heated by radio waves, which shrinks the tough collagen in the vessel wall and causes it to collapse and re-absorb.

Anesthesia mixed with fluid is injected first to make the procedure painless and, at the same time, press the blood out of the vein. Scarring is almost imperceptible, although there may be some bruising and the vein may take eight weeks to re-absorb.

Call us at the Utah Vein Treatment Center we evaluate all patients and suggest solutions according to what is best in each individual circumstance.

Most procedures are simple and very effective.

There are so many new ways to treat an old problem, don't wait another day!

Varicose veins, spider veins, tired legs, achy painful legs can now be helped right in the doctors office!

Good Luck