It is believed that the sea water used in thalassotherapy is similar in electrolyte concentration to that of the blood plasma in the body. Apparently this allows for greater absorption of essential trace elements; like magnesium, potassium, calcium and other mineral salts, directly into the skin. The reaction of thalassotherapy on the skin results in the skin pore expanding allowing oligo-elements to filter into the deeper layers of the skin. While many in the beauty industry swear by thalassotherapy, the scientific community is cautious about this treatment due to the numerous, and at times outrageous, claims.

Different Types of Thalassotherapy

Thalassotherapy is available in various forms of application. These include :

• body massage incorporating seaweed oils
• baths combining seawater and seaweed
• seaweed wraps
• mud baths using seawater

The popular choice in thalassotherapy is the seaweed wrap.

Seaweed Wrap Treatment

The seaweed wrap treatment involves the combination of seaweed, therapuetic herbs and a cloth-like material that is soaked and tightly wrapped around the body. A thermal blanket is placed over the body for approximately an hour. After this time the blanket and the seaweed wrap is removed. The residue of the seaweed products, oils and herbs are gently massaged into the skin. This increases blood circulation and apparently detoxifies the body removing accumulated toxin build up. The seaweed body wrap helps to disperse local fatty tissue deposits, leaving the skin nourished and healthy looking. The skin also absorbs minerals that are essential for the restoration of its tone and vitality.

Benefits of Thalassotherapy

The beauty and cosmetic industry claims that the following health benefits can be derived from thalassotherapy. While the medical fraternity will scoff at some of these outrageous claims, thalassotherapy is still widely practiced globally with hundreds of thousands of men and women vouching for its benefits.

• The healing properties of salt water a administered in thalassotherapy helps in the management of high blood pressure, asthma and muscle atrophy.
• This treatment is the natural defense against aging as it combats the physical signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• The therapeutic effect of water on the skin induces relaxation. This helps to reduce stress and improve sleep patterns.
• There is a decreased appearance of cellulite as blood circulation is improved resulting in the prevention of toxin accumulation.
• Due to the increase in blood circulation the cardiovascular function is improved.
• Seaweed wrap is widely used for weight loss as it allegedly increases the body’s metabolism rate. The treatment also firms the skin.
• Skin cleansing and detoxification usually occurs as accumulated toxins are removed through the pores.
• Nutrition supplementation for the skin and body as a poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and stress depletes the body of vital minerals and elements even in well fed individuals.
• The additional nutrients and relaxing effect of thalassotherapy boosts the immune system.
• The high electrolyte concentration within sea water assists in reducing muscle cramps, surface inflammation and aches and pains.

Many of these benefits have not been verified by clinical studies by the beauty industry continues to advocate the health and beauty benefits of thalassotherapy. However, you should consult with your medical doctor before undertaking any alternative, even if cosmetic, treatment and if you have chronic conditions.

Causes of Dry Brittle Hair

• Excessive sun exposure can result in the decreased production of oils leaving the hair dry and brittle.
• Colder, dry environments may cause drying of the hair and scalp.
• Long term use of hair preparation such as hair relaxers (straighteners), bleaches, colorants and dyes or perm treatments can cause the hair to become dry and damaged.
• Styling products and treatments creates stress on the hair resulting in hair breakage. Excessive use of flat irons and hair dryers depletes the hair of moisture and causes heat damage.
• Dry hair can also indicate a poor nutrition or mild dehydration
• Dry, brittle hair is a symptom of hypothyroidism disorder where the body produces low amounts of thyroid hormones.
• Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can result in the hair becoming dry and brittle due to a lack of vitamin and mineral intake.
• Iron-deficiency anemia may also contribute towards dry, brittle hair as well as thin hair or hair loss.
• Certain disorders of the sex hormones, particularly those resulting in an increased amount of testosterone in men and women, may contribute to dry, brittle hair.
• Dry brittle hair may be the result of the side effects of certain drugs like chemotherapy and certain diabetes medicines.

Treatment for Dry Brittle Hair

• Naturally derived oils are widely available in treatments infusing moisture into the hair. The oil adds luster and shine while providing nourishing benefitsand protects the hair from heat damage during styling.

• Products such as conditioners, repair cream and gels should be applied before the use of flat irons and hair dryers.

• Rice and corn protein are effective ingredients that penetrate the root of the hair providing strength, protection, and shine by smoothing the hair cuticles. Protein also helps to rebuild damaged hair

• Avoid the use of hair products that contain alcohol and alkaline as these ingredients can often strip the hair of its natural oils.

• Protect the hair when swimming with a swimming cap to prevent the action of chlorine, which can cause the hair to dry out.

• Hair products that contain sunscreens are effective in preventing the loss of moisture in the hair especially if you live in humid climates with a lot of sun exposure.

• Consume a well balanced healthy diet rich in proteins, vitamin and minerals.

• Vitamin and mineral supplements containing vitamin A, C, E, iron, calcium and zinc, may help in the treatment of dry brittle hair.

• Regular trimming of the hair can often help in reducing the appearance of split-ends.

• Condition the hair at least once a week to keep the hair nourished and moisturized.

Causes of Skin Discoloration Around the Mouth

Skin discoloration around the mouth or corner of the lips may be due to :

• Medical conditions such as Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, digestive disorders ( biliary cirrhosis, porphyria) and iron-deficiency anemia.
• Injury or trauma to the area from fungal infections, chemical irritants, certain cosmetics, long term use of skin lightening creams and incorrectly performed skin procedures like dermabrasion.
• Excessive sun exposure that leads to sun burn can result in pigmentation around the mouth. This is more common in lighter skin complexions or those with sun sensitivity.
• Prolonged exposure to heat, common in beauty treatments with the use of procedures like long periods of facial steaming.
• Beauty treatments involving facial hair removal, such as waxing, threading or depilatory creams, can often leave the skin bruised and irritated, if performed incorrectly, done repeatedly in short periods or in more sensitive skin types. This can cause repeated trauma to the area resulting in the darkening of the skin.
• Hormonal changes such as menopause, puberty and pregnancy can contribute to dark skin discoloration around the mouth
• Melasma, which is a skin condition commonly occurring in females, results in the appearance of brown patches. This is occurs due to hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and menopause. Excessive sun exposure can aggravate melasma but does not usually cause the condition.
• Drug-induced pigmentation is hyperpigmentation that occurs as a side effect of certain drugs, like antimalaria drugs, antibiotics and certain oral contraceptives. However this is not a common side effect and occurs in only a small percentage of patients.
• Nutritional conditions such as carotenanemia (orange tinge of the skin due to over consumption of yellow food), malnutrition, malabsorption of food and pellagra may lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin.
• Hyperpigmentation can occur due to inflammatory conditions of eczema, systemic sclerosis, burns, healing of acne scars, blisters and photodermatosis.

Treatment and Management

• Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially if your skin is sensitive to the sun. Sun exposure aggravates most skin conditions, particularly when hyperpigmentation is a symptom of the specific condition. The use of a sunscreen  will assist with protection from the sun and it is advisable to use a protective cream with SPF 30 on a daily basis.
• Beauty procedures such as chemical peels, iontophoresis, intense pulse light therapy and laser surgery can help in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. However these procedures should be conducted by a reputable skin care professional as incorrectly performed procedures may aggravate the dark skin discoloration further.
• Topical cosmetic creams such as alpha hydroxy acid and hydroquinone are effective in treating hyperpigmentation but hydroquinone should be used cautiously as incorrect use can cause furthering darkening.
• Camouflage make up is often used in the concealment of pigmentation but this is not a solution to the problem.

Appearance of Dry Cracked Heels

• The skin on the heel line feels taut due to the dryness.
• The heels usually appear brown or yellow in color.
• Redness of the heels can occur due to the scratching of the feet from the itching sensation that usually accompanies the condition.
• Due to the dryness of the feet, the skin can begin to peel and flake along the heel line
• The feet can become painful while walking due to the formation of the deepen cracks or fissures
• The formation of deep cracks can result in bleeding and subsequent bacterial or fungal infections.

Causes of Dry Cracked Heels

• A dry skin type can leave the feet predisposed to the formation of cracks along the heel line
• Overweight individuals are prone to developing dry cracked heels due to the increased uneven pressure on the pads of the feet situated under the heels. The increased weight can also destroy the sudoriferous glands (sweat glands) resulting in the skin drying out.
• Prolonged standing can cause an increased amount of pressure on the feet resulting in the formation of dry cracked heels, even if not overweight.
• Incorrect foot wear can lead to the development of cracks along the heel line. Shoes and socks tend to create friction which also contributes to dryness of the feet
• Diabetic neuropathy, which is a complication of diabetes, leads to the decrease in sweating resulting in the dryness of the skin on the feet.
• An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) decreases the body’s metabolism rate which may also reduce skin lubrication.
• Chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can lead to the development of dry cracked heels
• Prescription drugs such as diuretics and antihistamines have a drying effect on the skin
• Biomechanical defects such as flat feet, high arched or pronation can result in an uneven weight distribution which destroys sweat glands. This causes the area of the skin to become thick and dry.

Treatment for dry heels

• Soak feet in water containing a refreshing foot cleanser. This offers short term relief.
• Use a pumice stone to slough of the dry skin accumulated on the heel. This exfoliates the dry dead skin and allows a moisturizer to penetrate deeper into the skin. However, beware of excessive exfoliating which may leave the skin raw. Do not use a razor to remove the thick skin on the heel as an infection can develop.
• The feet should be moisturized twice a day using an oil based cream, which will assist with skin hydration and prevent further water loss from the skin.
• Use ergonomically designed footwear to reduce pressure on the sole.
• Individuals that are overweight should use heel cups or pads to equalize the pressure on the feet
• Use inner soles to eliminate points of friction on the feet
• Avoid the use of nylon socks as it may contribute to skin dryness.

Causes of Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

• Allergies such as hay fever can often result in dark under the eye circles as the allergens responsible for the hay fever results in inflammation of the eye lining, often experienced as itching, as well as inflammation of the skin around the eye. Nasal congestion that often occurs during the bout of an allergy and further contributes to the inflammation which leads to dark circle formation under the eye. This occurs due to the dilation of blood capillaries from the nose to the eyes.
• Hereditary. Fair skinned individuals with naturally deep seated eyes are often prone to developing dark circles under the eye as they get older. Dark eye circles can also develop due to genetic factors.
• Thinning of the skin around the eye occurs due to the loss of collagen and fat deposition  around the eye area as a result of ageing. Blood vessels become more distinct due to the decreased amounts of collagen and fat giving the appearance of dark eye circles. The development of puffy eyelids or hollows under the eyes occur due to the natural process of ageing
• Lack of sleep. Disturbances in the normal sleep cycle can result in the skin looking pale with development of circles under the eyes appearing darker in colour. A lack of sleep can also contribute to tired looking eyes that can often give the appearance of puffiness.
• Sun damage. The excessive amounts of sun exposure can cause the body to produce large amounts of melanin (pigment cells) to protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. This results in the weakening of skin tissue under the eyes contributing to dark eye circles.
• Lifestyle. The consumption of alcohol, caffeinated drinks and smoking results in the accumulation of toxins  in the body. This build up can often lead to the development of dark circles under the eye area.
• Dehydration. The decrease intake of water with the combination of alcohol and caffeinated beverages can lead to dehydration resulting in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
• Fluid retention in the body are commonly due to illness, excessive dieting, increased amounts of salt intake, smoking, medication, disorder’s of the heart, thyroid, kidney and liver. The above results in the dilation of the blood capillaries causing the eyes to appear engorged with dark circles under the eyes.

Treatment of Dark Circles

• Increase the amount of water intake to help detox the body of the accumulated toxins. The daily recommended allowance of water intake is approximately 6 to8 glasses.
• Decrease or eliminate the consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages to prevent dehydration.
• The use of a sunscreen would help prevent the weakening of the skin’s tissue around the eyes.
• Laser therapy and chemical peels can decrease the discoloration around the eye area.
• Hollows that develop under the eye due to aging can be corrected with collagen injections.
• Decrease smoking and salt intake, and increase sleep and vitamin intake which will help minimise the appearance of dark circles under the eye.

A dehydrated skin lacks water content in the intercelluar structure of the skin, the fluid between cells. This skin type often appears dry and dull with a rough, crepe like texture. Dehydration can affect all skin types in any age group although it is most commonly seen in dry skin types. If the moisture content is not replenished in the epidermis (upper skin layer) and dermis (middle layer of the skin), dehydration occurs. Dehydrated skin is dependent on the epidermis and dermis as the smallest change in the skin’s water content can cause the skin to become dry and cracked. This can often cause thinning of the skin which can eventually lead to the loss in the skin’s elasticity and radiance. The skin can become taut and itchy with the development of fine lines and wrinkles appearing around the eye and cheek areas.

Causes of Skin Dehydration

Depletion of body fluids often reduces the water content in the skin cells. This can usually result from excessive dieting, a severe illness, aging, glandular disturbances, drugs or the decreased activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands (oil gland) due to the aging process. As one ages, the skin naturally dries out due to evaporation through the outer layers. Aging can often reduce the storage of water held in the ground substance of the dermis thereby resulting in a dehydrated skin. Dehydration can also be caused by other external and internal factors such as:

• Excessive sun exposure
• Climate, like a humid environment and even air conditioning
• Use of perfumed or antimicrobial  soaps
• Natural tendency towards dry skin due to the skin’s water-holding capacity
• Oiliness or lack of oil
• Air or water pollution
• Severe, debilitating illness
• Certain chronic medication
• Excessive use of diuretics including caffeinated drinks and alcohol
• Smoking
• Long or excessive bathing, especially with the use of very hot water

Treatment for Dehydrated Skin

• The stimulation of blood circulation and increase in glandular activity in the dermis will aid in improving the levels of moisture. This type of stimulation includes deep and superficial massages that also increases the production of oils in the skin aiding in skin lubrication.
• Products containing an oil or cream base can improve the water balance of the skin and further increase the secretion of oils. These products include hydrating and moisturising masks with essential oils that help reduce dehydration. More oily applications also coats the skin’s surface and prevents natural water loss.
• Facial skin therapy used in conjunction with an oil mask increases the lymph flow and glandular activity. Avoid excessive or prolonged facial steaming as this can ultimately cause dehydration of the skin.
• Avoid the use of harsh soaps (perfumed or antibacterial)  as they tend to strip the skin of its natural oils leading to a further dryness of the skin
• A creamy facial cleanser will cleanse the skin leaving whilst leaving behind a thin layer of film to prevent loss of moisture
• Exfoliating the skin twice a week is sufficient to remove surface dirt without removing excess oils from the skin
• Eye gel or cream helps to nourish the delicate skin around the eye area minimizing the visibility of wrinkles will also assist with skin hydration.
• Daily moisturizing is important as the moisturizer acts as a protective barrier preventing the loss of moisture from the skin.
• A rich night cream applied daily before bed time prevents and treats the occurence of white patches of dry skin.
• Facial masks such as avocado and hot oil masks helps to hydrate and nourish the skin and reduce water loss.
• Increased intake of fluids will replenish the water lost as sweat through the skin.
• Avoid the intake of caffeinated drinks, alcohol and smoking.

How are stretch marks formed?

Stretch marks, also known as striae, occur when the dermis (middle layer of skin) over stretches to accommodate excess fat or body enlargement (as in pregnancy( resulting in the break down of elastin fiber, which is responsible for the skin’s firmness. The stretching causes tissue inflammation and bleeding of the micro-vessels resulting in the formation of the typical stretch mark on the surface of the skin. These bright streaks are characterized by pink, red or purple raised scars. Over time these marks may fade into a silvery white to dark brown color, although it is usuall a few shades lighter than the skin’s natural tone because of the disruption in the collagen and melanin (pigment cells) production.

Causes of Stretch Marks

• Pregnancy. In the late stage of pregnancy, as the growth of the fetus accelerates, stretching of the skin occurs around the abdomen,although the hips, thighs and breasts may also be affected. Pregnant women with large or multiple babies (for example twins) are more susceptible to the increased development of stretch marks.

• Puberty. During this stage of life adolescents undergo a growth spurt. To accommodate the increase in height and body development the skin stretches resulting in stretch marks.

• Obesity is a common condition responsible for the formation of stretch marks due to the increase in fat deposition thereby stretching the skin.

• Zinc. A deficiency in zinc often contributes to the development of stretch marks

• Weight lifters develop stretch marks as the skin stretches to accommodate the increased amount of muscle bulk. Some body builders use steroids to develop muscle bulk quickly which affects the blood cortisone levels.

• Medication. The use of both oral and topical medication such as contraceptive pills, chronic use of steroid creams and medication contribute to the formation of stretch marks.M

• Medical disorders and conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, other adrenal gland disorder and hereditary disorders play a role in the development of stretch marks.

Treatment of Stretch Marks

The treatments for stretch marks are partly effective as these marks cannot be completely removed.

• Topical applications of preparations such as tretinoin creams improves the appearance of newly formed stretch marks of less than 6 weeks old and are still pink in colour. Tretinoin rebuilds collagen and elastin fibres making stretch marks less visible but it is not effective on old stretch marks.

• Pulsed laser and excimer laser are the 2 types of effective laser therapies commonly used in the treatment of stretch marks. Pulsed laser therapy remodels the dermis (middle layer of skin) by stimulating the growth of elastin and collagen fibres. This type of therapy is effective on newly formed stretch marks. Excimer laser stimulates the production of melanin cells (pigment cells). This allows the hypopigmented stretch marks to blend into the surrounding skin marking it less visible. Excimer laser therapy is effective for both new and old stretch marks.

• Micro-dermabrasion resurfaces the skin by using minute sand-like crystals. These crystals erode the surface of the skin while a thin tube suctions the crystals and dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is effective on old stretch marks as it removes the upper layer of skin (epidermis) resulting in the growth of new cells.

Nail Development & Growth

The nail develops in the embryo as the epidermis folds to form a nail fold. At 3 months of development the fold thickens on each finger. Nail formation is completed at the fifth month of development when they reach the tips of the fingers. The growth of nails is continuous throughout life although the rate of growth varies from person to person.

With age, blood circulation at the root becomes less efficient which leads to a gradual slowing of the nail growth. The effect of ageing may be increased by nutritional deficiencies related to a poor diet as well as chronic disease. Nails become thicker and opaque resulting in a yellow to gray color and the moisture of the nails are reduced, resulting in fragile nails causing the nails to either flake in layers or develop fissures.

Internal physiological conditions such as poor circulation, anemia and psoriasis may cause disorders of the nail. Self-inflicted conditions such as misuse, accident or nail biting are also causes of nail defects. Fungal infections of the nail (onychomycosis) is common on the toenails and especially on the fingernails due to prolonged use of acrylic nails.

Brittle nails (Fragilitas unguium)

Frequent usage of detergents may lead to dehydration of the nails due to the constant removal of protective oils. Brittle nails have a decreased amount of water in the nail plate and a deficiency in blood supply of the matrix. Poor blood circulation or iron deficiency can impair nail growth leading to the thinning of the nail plate. Water is easily lost from a thin nail resulting in brittle nails.

Gelatin is recommended for brittle nails as it is a protein which helps for tissue repair. The use of cuticle cream massaged into the nail area and avoid overuse of detergents will be beneficial in preventing the nails from drying out.

Furrows and Ridges

A transverse furrow on the nail may follow after a serious illness and could also be a sign of respiratory disorders, seen in long time smokers. The lines are an interference with the nail growth and appear several weeks after the illness and may take 3 to 4 months to grow out. Furrows and ridges in smokers persist for years, even after quitting smoking.

Hang nails

A hang nail is a piece of nail growing in the nail groove separately from the main nail. This may result from injury to the nail root, nail biting or the dryness of the nail. If allowed to grow the hang nail may be pulled away from the skin resulting in an infection of the area. If inflammation occurs it should be treated with an antiseptic cream.

Ingrown nails

Onychocryptosis, commonly known as an ingrown nail, occurs when the nail plate is cut too short at the corners of the nails. This results in the nail growing into the sides of the wall causing inflammation. Toe nails are more prone than finger nails as the tips of the nail are constantly under pressure from the shoe.

Nail biting

Nail biting or onychophagy results in the distortion of the nail, most commonly seen when the nail is bitten too deep, resulting in a ragged appearance. This habit usually starts in childhood and is very difficult to break. While the habit should be stopped, a cuticle massage may improve circulation and encourage nail growth. The bitten nails should be trimmed to give a neat appearance and prevent ingrown nails.

Discoloration of the Nail

Nails may become discolored by damage of the nail bed, fungal infection, or substances that stain the nail plate. A fungal infection of the nail (ringworm) may cause the nail to become yellow, brown, or black and powdery. An antifungal application is required or the fungus will persist, spread and cause severe deformity of the nail. Nicotine and hair dyes stain the nail plate yellow and some dark red nail enamel used without a based coat may also contribute to nail staining that is not easily removed with acetone.

How long do pubic lice/crabs last?

The life cycle of the pubic lice, from the egg to adult stage, occurs in a time span of approximately one month. These parasites are difficult to remove as they are firmly anchored at the base of the hair. Mainly found on the genital area, the pubic lice are small insects that pierce and inject the skin with saliva to prevent clotting so that it can feed on the blood.

There 3 stages of lice development :

1. The egg (nit) – Nits are eggs laid by the adult pubic lice at the base of the hair shaft. Once laid it takes approximately 2 weeks to hatch. The nits appear yellow to white in color and are characterized by its oval shape. They are small in appearance making it difficult to notice.
2. The nymph – The nit hatches into a baby louse called a nymph which matures into adult lice within a period of 7 days of hatching.
3. Adult lice – The adult lice appears in a greyish-white to reddish-brown in color with a live span of 30 days. These lice are dependent on blood for their survival.

Pubic lice will persist for months or years unless appropriate treatment is commenced.

Picture of a Pubic Liouse (Crabs) from the Oklahoma State University

Causes of Pubic Lice

Pubic lice, is a condition caused by the infestation of the parasite known as phthirus. These parasites travel quickly between hosts increasing the risk of transmission through sexual contact if the individual is infected and if many sexual partners are involved. The pubic lice cannot jump between individuals and are unable to survive without a host. Pubic lice therefore cannot infect individuals from toilet seats.

Signs and Symptoms of Crabs

• The presence of black powdery droppings on the underwear is an indication of pubic lice infestation
• Frequent and intense itching caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of the pubic lice.
• Due to the scratching caused by the itching, the affected area becomes inflamed (red and swollen). The scratching can cause a break in the skin which can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. The area becomes red and tender increasing the spread of the pubic lice.
• A flat bluish-grey rash may occur on the stomach, arms, and legs.
• Visible crawling lice or eggs on the pubic area often indicates an infestation.

Treatment of Pubic Lice Infestation

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medication as advised by a qualified medical doctor is usually effective. Permethrin, pyrethrin and lindane are 3 common medications used in the treatment of this condition.
• Infected linen, towels and clothing should be carefully laundered preferably by machine. Dry launder the washing using a high temperature for at least 20 minutes as the heat would kill off any remaining lice.
• It is advisable to abstain from sex during the time of treatment to prevent a recurrence of the condition.
• Medicated formulations take approximately 3 to 7 days and are effective in the treatment of lice infestation. Saturate the pubic hair with the prescribed medication leaving it on for the allocated time. Rinse off thoroughly with water and dry the pubic area using a clean dry towel. The remaining nits can be removed with the use off the fingernails.

Picture of Severe Spider Veins & Varicose Veins

Telangiectasia is a condition commonly referred to as spider veins, where thin dilated blood vessels connected to larger blood vessels are visible at the skin’s surface. These veins appear in clusters of bluish-purple or red zones and are often shaped in a ’spider’s web’, hence the name spider veins. Although this condition can affect a small percentage of males it is mostly common in females. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins do not bulge or extend above the surface of the skin.

Causes of Spider Veins

The common causes responsible for the onset or aggravation of spider veins (telangiectasia) are :

• An insufficiency in the circulation of the venous system causes the vein valves to weaken resulting in pooling of blood (congestion). This eventually leads to the development of spider veins.
• Genetic factors play a role in the weak development of the vein wall resulting in the formation of spider veins. These veins can cause an increase the blood pressure of the surrounding superficial veins.
• Excessive exposure to the sun can trigger the development of spider veins especially in lighter skinned individuals.
• Hormonally induced conditions or medication that cause hormonal fluctuations such as pregnancy or menopause can cause the vein wall to ’soften’ increasing the incidence of spider veins. The blood volume also rises during pregnancy which increases the blood pressure in the venous system. This may result in the development of spider veins.
• Conditions such as obesity with an excessive amount of body fat and less connective tissue support around the veins may lead to spider veins.
• Individuals, in jobs that require extended periods of standing or sitting without regular intervals of leg movement, are more susceptible to spider veins
• Aggravating factors such as aggressive skin treatments or an increased intake of alcohol may be at risk of developing spider veins

Management of Spider Veins

• Certain cosmetics, like foundation, can be used to camouflage the appearance of spider veins
• Regular physical activity aids, in cases of hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity and poor circulation, may assist with reducing the extent of spider vein proliferation.
• The use of flat shoes and support hose can reduce or decrease the occurrence of spider veins in person’s with venous insufficiency of the leg or varicose veins.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol
• In occupations that require extended periods of sitting or standing, it is advisable to exercise the legs with short episodes of walking.
• Decreased sun exposure, especially in persons with sun sensitivity of skin, and the use of sunscreens help in the management of spider veins.

Treatment of Spider Veins

There are two types of treatments that are commonly used in treating spider veins. These treatments include the invasive yet effective sclerotherapy, and non-invasive laser treatment.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a highly effective invasive treatment requiring several sessions. An irritant solution such as concentrated saline or a specialized detergent solution is injected directly into the spider veins causing pain that last for a few minutes. The solution damages the wall of the vein resulting in swelling and constriction of the blood supply. The spider vein becomes a scar tissue and disappears over a period of days to weeks. The side effects of sclerotherapy include skin sores, bruising and discoloration around the treated skin.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses an intense pulsed light to heat the surface of the skin. The laser is focused on individual vessels causing the wall of the spider veins to ’seal’ (cauterization) minimizing the damage to the surrounding tissue. Since the veins appear red, pink and sometimes bluish-purple they tend to absorb more of the laser than the surrounding normal skin. When the light of the laser is absorbed the spider veins shrink without damaging the normal skin. The side effects of laser treatment includes redness, swelling, and discoloration of the skin. These effects usually subside after a few weeks.