Spider Vein Cream & Treatments
It’s such an embarrassing and unsightly condition to have. It impacts your lifestyle, even forcing you to avoid certain clothing and bathing suits which expose the problem for others to see. But thanks to modern medicine and technology, there are now effective treatments available such as spider vein cream, sclerotherapy injections, and laser spider vein removal.
What Are Spider Veins?
Well being that you stumbled across this website, you are probably all too familiar with this condition. They are actually arteries, capillaries, or veins near the surface of the skin which are not circulating how they use to.
You see these pathways of the blood are supposed to act like a one-way street – carrying it in one direction. However sometimes these valves weaken, and when this happens, the blood can backup and collect inside them. Since oxygen-deprived blood is blue or purple in color, this is why they are so dark. The nickname of calling them “spider veins” originates from them resembling the legs of a spider.
What Causes Spider Veins?
There are several known causes for these. The first one being age – unfortunately these are just one of those things that become more prevalent as we get older and our body parts just don’t work the way they use to. And if they run in your family than you are probably even more likely to get them. Females are also more inclined than men to develop them.
However there are also other causes which we do have some control over. Excess weight is a common cause because excess pressure is put on the circulatory system. Lack of exercise or healthy physical activity is another culprit. Pregnancy and hormonal changes can sometimes cause them.
When it comes to spider veins on the face, sun exposure may have something to do with it. This is generally more likely if you have lighter skin.
Are Spider Veins Dangerous?
Well first of all I would like to point out I am in no way a medical professional, rather just an average Jane that suffers from a number of skin conditions, so I’ve done quite a bit of research about them over the years – but it’s just my hobby. So please don’t interpret anything I say on this site as medical advice, because I’m not qualified to give it – instead you should consult a doctor.
Okay well now that I got that out of the way, I can say that I have heard they are often not something that requires professional treatment. However if they develop into severe varicose veins down the road (which are similar to spider veins but larger than 1mm in diameter) it can cause a problem – venous insufficiency. This is a circulatory problem which can cause potentially lethal blood clots in the legs and elsewhere. Besides the obvious visible signs, symptoms of these include pain, aches, and/or rashes on the legs. There also may be abnormalities around the ankle: swelling, ulcers, brown discolored skin.
But before you freak out, please remember that varicose veins are known to affect roughly half of the population that is fifty years of age and above – so it’s definitely a very widespread problem and you are by no means alone. But talk to your doctor to be safe.
Spider Vein Treatment
Fortunately now there are a number of cosmetic treatments available which can get rid of them.
Sclerotherapy – This is a method which has been used since the 1930’s. Using a needle, the physician injects chloride sterile into the problem veins. This involves a series of multiple injections, usually one per inch of the spider vein. Many say it can be extremely painful. It’s a procedure that can take up to a half-hour or more to perform. This causes these vessels to eventually shrink, close off, and disappear. It’s done in-office, but insurance generally does not cover sclerotherapy injections because they’re considered cosmetic.
Laser Treatments – This is a newer method which has came into play when skin lasers became prevalent. Each treatment usually lasts for around fifteen minutes and usually more than one is needed. It is also known to be somewhat painful and also rarely ever covered by insurance.
Spider Vein Cream – Of course, this product is what you came here to learn more about. Sure, the other methods are usually pretty effective, but because they’re painful and can cost a lot, why not try this option first?
While it may not always be a surefire solution, it is cheap and known to help many mild to moderate cases. These creams usually contain ingredients like horse chestnut – a plant which contains substances that thin the blood in the area. They also utilize other nutrients like vitamin K, which is known to help with bruising. Many make use of Japanese Pagoda Tree extract, which has been used extensively in Europe for decades as a cream for spider veins.
So the bottom line is that although you have this ugly condition, there is something you can do about it. However be sure to talk to a doctor before choosing a spider vein cream or other treatment. That way you can make an informed decision.
