How can I treat my spider veins?

Spider veins are tiny “star” shaped dark blue veins frequently seen in women in their 30s and 40s. Spider veins are most common on the face and upper thigh.

Spider veins appear blue and can be very prominent in individuals with fair skin. One fact all individuals who have spider veins need to know. Spider veins are harmless. If you have pain, swelling, itching, headache or any other symptoms. – the cause is never spider veins. Spider veins are only of a cosmetic concern.

Individuals with symptoms should not undergo treatment for spider veins until the cause of their symptoms has been discovered. Treating spider veins will not get rid of your symptoms but will make your skin look nicer

Spider veins tend to occur spontaneously or during minor trauma. Many individuals who are over weight, pregnant or those who stand around for long periods also develop spider veins.

There are only two treatments for spider veins: which include sclerotherapy, and laser- neither is ideal. Today, there is a lot of hype made about the latest lasers and how they can cure spider veins. Lasers can be used on any part of the body but the results are not guaranteed, complications are common and lasers are exorbitantly expensive.

Both sclerotherapy and laser treatments can be done as an outpatient. In sclerotherapy, an irritant solution is injected in each spider vein. This painful procedure requires several sessions, is associated with many complications, and the results are mediocre at best. Most women who undergo sclerotherapy remain unsatisfied. The only upside of sclerotherapy is that it is cheaper than laser.

Laser therapy is faster, can treat many spider veins in a few minutes but the results are also not guaranteed. Complications with lasers are common, the procedure is painful, and laser is very expensive.

Neither sclerotherapy nor laser is a cure for spider veins. In both cases, spider veins disappear for a few months and do reappear.

For those who have spider veins and have no money, stay way from both laser and sclerotherapy- instead wear compressions stockings. For those who have money, perhaps one may opt for laser. Remember, there are no refunds with both therapies and the results are not predictable. The best way to treat spider veins is to prevent them in the first place- this means keeping away from the sun and wearing compression stockings.