Treatment for Spider Veins
Spider veins appear as thin, red lines of blood vessels located on the skin’s surface. You’ll often find them on the face and or legs. Approximately 80 million Americans are affected by spider veins. They are typically not painful but can be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness for some, causing many to seek out dermatologists for expert advice and treatment. For the best spider vein treatment in San Antonio, visit Texas Skin and Vein’s spider vein clinic.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins in that they are dilated, damaged veins. Spider veins tend to be smaller than varicose veins and affect the body’s capillaries. They are typically more branched than varicose veins and form what looks like a “spider web” of twists and turns under the skin. They can range in color from blue to purple to red. This condition can affect everyone, but it is most often found in women and individuals over the age of 50.
Spider veins can form in a multitude of ways. Risk factors include wearing tight clothing, excessive sitting or standing, hormone changes, genetics, pregnancy, or birth control for longer lengths of time.
A spider vein clinic, like Texas Skin and Vein, can discuss your options whether you choose to have spider vein surgery or seek different spider vein treatment in San Antonio.
Like varicose veins, they may be managed at home with self-care treatments. Wearing compression stockings can create soothing pressure on the leg. Reducing the time you’re standing or sitting may also help. Weight loss and exercise may also help decrease spider veins’ negative effects.
For spider vein removal, San Antonio residents can reach out to Texas Skin and Vein if self-care treatments aren’t effective. Spider vein surgery includes laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgical removal. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a chemical directly into the vein. This irritates and damages the vein, which later scars and closes the vein.
Like any medical treatment, possible side effects should be discussed with your doctor. However, because of growth in the types and effectiveness of treatments, side effects tend to be short-lived, and most tend to be mild.
Some side effects may include:
- Burns, bruising, bleeding, and blood clots
- Nerve damage to the treated area
- Changes in skin color of the treated area
- Inflammation or redness of the area
- Infection
