Three Tips To Prevent Spider Veins
Though they typically pose no serious health hazard, spider veins are a condition that many find unsightly and choose to address via cosmetic treatment. These thread-like networks of thin, red or blue veins are dilated blood vessels located just beneath the surface of the skin. Spider veins most commonly appear in the legs, but may form elsewhere on the body including the torso, hands, and face. Additional symptoms may include skin redness, swelling, itching, or a firm, tender, and warm vein.
Despite their prevalence, the exact causes of spider veins are unknown. Researchers have identified a variety of factors believed to contribute to their development, as well as recommendations for the prevention and treatment of the condition. At Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan, we provide our patients with options for removing spider veins, as well as educate them on how to prevent spider veins from reoccurring.
Spider Vein Risk Factors
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office On Women’s Health, approximately 50 to 55 percent of women and up to 40 to 45 percent of men in the United States suffer from some kind of vein issue.
Spider veins may be the result of genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, or a combination of both. Possible causes include:
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Chronic exposure to the sun
- Extreme temperature fluctuations
- Rosacea
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Occupations that involve prolonged standing or sitting
- Heredity
Spider veins naturally increase in frequency with age, and occur more often in women than in men. They are particularly common in individuals with one or more of the risk factors above.
If you are at risk of developing spider veins based on your lifestyle or family history, it may not be possible to prevent their occurrence entirely. However, it is possible to reduce your risk and treat existing spider veins by keeping the tips listed below in mind.
Wear Compression Garments
Compression socks and stockings promote blood flow from the feet back to the heart, assisting your veins in overcoming the effects of gravity. These garments help reduce any uncomfortable symptoms of spider veins, prevent blood pooling in the legs and feet, decrease the risk of blood clots, and slow the progression of vein disease.
Medical grade compression garments come in a range of prescriptive levels based on the degree of compression required. After an evaluation at Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan, our team can advise you on the best option for your needs, as well as on the proper fit and care of your compression garment.
Not all compression is good compression. Overly tight clothing, as well as high heels, can restrict blood flow through the legs and increase the risk of developing spider veins and other venous issues.
Prioritize Sun Skincare
Sun exposure contributes to the development of many visible signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and spider veins. Ultraviolet radiation produced by the sun accelerates the breakdown of collagen, a structural protein that serves numerous important purposes in the body, including providing strength and elasticity to the skin and blood vessels. As your body’s collagen production decreases, the skin becomes drier, thinner, and less supple. Blood vessels struggle to flex and move. When combined, these factors increase the likelihood of spider veins becoming visible near the skin’s surface.
Existing spider veins may also be aggravated by warm weather. As the temperature rises, affected veins can dilate and enlarge, worsening the condition’s appearance and any accompanying symptoms. Minimizing sun exposure is key to preventing the development of spider veins. If possible, avoid spending prolonged periods outside between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, when the sun’s UV rays are most powerful. If time in the sun is unavoidable, wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible and apply sunscreen on any exposed areas. Use aloe vera lotion to restore lost moisture to your skin and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from within.
Stay Active
A regular exercise routine increases healthy blood flow and vein strength, along with providing numerous additional benefits that extend beyond the well-being of your venous system. Exercise aids in the prevention of spider veins by increasing blood circulation and muscle tone in the legs. If you are overweight, weight loss as a result of exercise can also improve circulation by relieving excess pressure on your veins.
The best exercises for vein health encourage blood flow without putting excessive strain on the body. Walking, cycling, yoga, and swimming are gentle exercises with low to medium impact that can easily be adjusted according to environment, schedule, and ability level. Running, on the other hand, requires high impact on the feet, legs and joints, and can place further stress on already weakened veins. Exercises that strain the abdomen can also disrupt healthy blood flow.
At Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan, we provide innovative, minimally invasive solutions to improve the quality of life for our patients suffering from spider veins. With a range of treatment options to choose from, including Asclera and foam sclerotherapy, our knowledgeable staff is prepared to customize patient care plans for maximum efficacy. Contact us today at 212-204-6501 to schedule a consultation.
