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.