Spider Vein Myths Debunked
By Ron E Lev MD – Follow me on Google+
Spider veins are those networks of blue or purple lines that appear on the surface of the skin and often resemble tree branches or a spider’s web. They are a common occurrence in both men and women, but they are also frequently misunderstood. Check out these myths about spider veins and the facts about this condition.
Myth 1: Spider Veins and Varicose Veins are One and the Same
People often make the mistaken assumption that varicose veins and spider veins are the same thing, but that is not always true. Varicose veins are twisting, bulging veins in the lower legs that indicate an underlying venous condition. While spider veins may also be caused by venous insufficiency, other causes of this condition include sun exposure, skin trauma or hormonal fluctuations. Spider veins can also occur on areas other than the lower legs, including the face.
Myth 2: Spider Veins Only Occur in Women
Another common misconception about spider veins is that they are a condition restricted to women. While women are more likely to develop spider and varicose veins, men can also suffer with these conditions. The difference is that hair on a man’s legs may make spider veins less visible than they would be on a woman.
Myth 3: Spider Veins are Nothing More than a Cosmetic Concern
While this statement is true in most cases, spider veins do sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition. This is more of a possibility if the spider veins are accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms like heaviness or achiness in the legs, burning around the area of the veins or leg swelling at the end of the day. It is a good idea to have this condition evaluated by a vein specialist to ensure there is not an underlying condition requiring treatment.
Myth 4: There is Nothing I can do about My Spider Veins
Many people with spider veins assume they will have to deal with those visible networks for a lifetime. However, there are many effective treatments to eliminate spider veins today, including laser therapy and injectable treatments known as sclerotherapy. Treatments are permanent solutions for spider veins, since the veins are removed from the body. If you are bothered by your spider veins, talk to a vein specialist about the best way to say goodbye to those veins for good.
At Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan, we offer a wide variety of spider vein treatment for our New York patients. If you want to learn more about vein treatments, call us today.
