 What
are spider veins?
Spider veins, commonly found on the face and legs, are caused
by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels near the
skin's surface. They often look like red or purple sunbursts
or web patterns.
What are Varicose veins?
 Varicose
veins are caused by swollen or enlarged blood vessels. The
blood vessels have enlarged due a weakening in the vein's
wall or valves. Located deeper in the skin than spider veins,
they can appear raised and often are blue.
Varicose veins can be serious because it may be associated
with the development of one or more of the following conditions:
-
Phlebitis - inflammation of the vein
-
Thromboses - occurs when blood clots form in the enlarged
vein
-
venous stasis ulcers - an ulcer is formed when there
is not proper drainage in the enlarged vein
An estimated 80 million Americans suffer from varicose or
spider veins. Although the exact cause for either is unknown,
pregnancy, heredity, and hormonal changes seem to be contributing
factors.
Treatment for spider and varicose veins:
There are a number of options to choose from in regards to
the treatment of varicose or spider veins. They are as follows:
Sclerotherapy:
This procedure involves the injection of a concentrated
saline or specially-developed solution into the spider or
varicose vein. The solution then hardens causing the vein
to close up or collapse. Healthier blood vessels located
nearby absorb the blood flow of the collapsed vein.
Electrodesiccation:
This procedure involves the sealing of the veins with the
use of an electrical current.
Laser surgery and intense pulsed light therapy
Abnormal veins are destroyed by high intensity laser beams
or intense pulsating light.
Surgical ligation and stripping
This procedure involves the surgeon making an incision
in the skin and removing or tying off the blood vessel.
Possible complications
associated with the treatment of spider or varicose veins:
Pigmentation changes
Brownish splotches near the treated area may appear. This
may take several months or even up to a year to fade.
Allergic reaction and scarring
Allergic reactions from the injected chemical solution,
as well as permanent scarring, may result. This reaction
involves the appearance of fine reddish blood vessels near
the treated area. Treatment for this condition may require
further injections.
Who are candidates for sclerotherapy?
Women and men of any age may be candidates for sclerotherapy,
but most are 30 to 60 years in age. Spider veins are more
common in women.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should postpone sclerotherapy
treatment because:
Spider veins that occur during pregnancy usually disappear
on their own.
It is not known how sclerosing solutions may affect breast
milk.
Anesthetic options include:
-
local anesthesia
-
general anesthesia
Recovery period:
A compression bandage may be applied on the treated area following
the procedure. Support hose may be recommended for a while
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