Spider veins
DEFINITION
Spider Veins or Spider Naevi are networks of small, thin,
dilated blood vessels that lie close to the skin’s surface. They
may be red, blue or purple in colour.
dilated blood vessels that lie close to the skin’s surface. They
may be red, blue or purple in colour.
DESCRIPTION
Common sites for Spider Veins to appear are the thighs, ankles
and calves, but they can also appear on the face and other parts of
the body. Spider Veins can appear in a number of different
patterns. They may look like a true spider shape with a group of
veins radiating out from a central point; they may have a shape
like the branches of a tree; or they may be thin, separate lines.
In the majority of cases, Spider Veins are a cosmetic problem only,
but if they become large, they can cause heaviness in the legs,
night cramps and itching.
and calves, but they can also appear on the face and other parts of
the body. Spider Veins can appear in a number of different
patterns. They may look like a true spider shape with a group of
veins radiating out from a central point; they may have a shape
like the branches of a tree; or they may be thin, separate lines.
In the majority of cases, Spider Veins are a cosmetic problem only,
but if they become large, they can cause heaviness in the legs,
night cramps and itching.
There are a number of different causes for Spider Veins, including
genetic inheritance, pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight gain,
certain medications, injury and occupations that require prolonged
sitting or standing. The contraceptive pill can increase the risk
of these veins developing, because oestrogen can weaken vein
walls.
genetic inheritance, pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight gain,
certain medications, injury and occupations that require prolonged
sitting or standing. The contraceptive pill can increase the risk
of these veins developing, because oestrogen can weaken vein
walls.
Spider Veins develop as a result of a weakening in the vein wall
or because of increased pressure in the vein system. Although these
veins are part of the circulatory system, they are a small and
unimportant part of it, so can be destroyed without affecting
circulation.
or because of increased pressure in the vein system. Although these
veins are part of the circulatory system, they are a small and
unimportant part of it, so can be destroyed without affecting
circulation.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
There is no cure for Spider Veins. They can be removed by
various, minor medical procedures. These include Sclerotherapy,
which involves the injection of a chemical to close the blood
vessels. Laser therapy can also be used to collapse small veins in
the face and legs. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised
not to undergo Sclerotherapy because Spider Veins that appear
during pregnancy usually disappear within months of the birth and
the effects of the chemicals used in sclerotherapy on the breast
milk of nursing mothers have not been established.
various, minor medical procedures. These include Sclerotherapy,
which involves the injection of a chemical to close the blood
vessels. Laser therapy can also be used to collapse small veins in
the face and legs. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised
not to undergo Sclerotherapy because Spider Veins that appear
during pregnancy usually disappear within months of the birth and
the effects of the chemicals used in sclerotherapy on the breast
milk of nursing mothers have not been established.
Risks associated with Sclerotherapy are rare, but there have been
cases of blood clots forming in veins, severe inflammation,
allergic reactions to the chemicals used and skin injury that
causes a small amount of scarring. Pigmentation problems, usually
brownish splotches on the affected skin, may appear. These can take
up to one year to heal.
cases of blood clots forming in veins, severe inflammation,
allergic reactions to the chemicals used and skin injury that
causes a small amount of scarring. Pigmentation problems, usually
brownish splotches on the affected skin, may appear. These can take
up to one year to heal.
People with this problem can minimise the risk of further
Spider Veins developing by taking the following preventative
measures to improve circulation and prevent the build up of
pressure in the legs:
Spider Veins developing by taking the following preventative
measures to improve circulation and prevent the build up of
pressure in the legs:
- Regular aerobic exercise such as walking or bike riding, which
stimulates blood flow in the legs and the rest of the body. - Wearing pressure stockings.
- Eating a high fibre diet to prevent constipation.
- Not wearing tight clothes, which constrict blood flow around
the body. - Elevating the legs at bedtime (about 6-12 inches above the
heart). - Avoiding use of the contraceptive pill.
- Avoiding crossing the legs.
- Taking dietary supplements.
- Massaging the area.
DIET HINTS
- Increase fibre in the diet to prevent constipation. Fruits,
vegetables and wholegrain cereals provide a wide range of nutrients
and fibre. - Prevent constipation by drinking 2 litres of filtered water a
day. - Increase consumption of blueberries, cherries and other red and
blue fruits. These fruits contain anthocyanids which help
strengthen the walls of the veins.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Supplement the diet with:
- Vitamin C- 1000 mg/day
- Vitamin E- 400 IU/day
- Bioflavonoids- 1000mg/day
These supplements have been found to strengthen and tone blood
vessels to improve circulation.
vessels to improve circulation.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Your Pharmacy stocks a range of support stockings that will
help prevent pressure build up in the legs. - Follow the diet hints and increase fibre in the diet to prevent
constipation. - Ask your Pharmacist for advice about vitamins and supplements
that may help your condition. See the supplement section in this
topic.