What can be done for spider veins?
Spider veins are very common, affecting millions of people all across the United States. If you have spider veins, you may feel embarrassed of your appearance, and you may also experience uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, effective spider vein treatment is available.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are abnormal veins that can appear on the legs, hands, chest and other locations on the body. Spider veins usually develop as a result of malfunctions of the valves in your veins. They are typically blue, red or purple in color, and they often develop in web-like formations.
Many patients with spider veins don’t experience any additional symptoms. However, some patients may also notice pain, cramping, tingling or general discomfort, especially if these abnormal veins are located in the legs.
Spider Vein Treatment Options
If you have spider veins, two primary treatment options are available: laser therapy and sclerotherapy. Laser therapy involves administering laser energy to the outside of the skin, which heats smaller spider veins and can cause them to fade. Sclerotherapy, on the other hand, involves injecting a special solution into spider veins that causes them to collapse. In some cases, both treatments are used in combination to provide better results.