September is Vascular Disease Awareness Month. Vascular disease is any abnormal condition of the blood vessels, like arteries and veins. There are many different kinds of vascular diseases, including varicose veins and spider veins. There are many unknown facts about the disease and spider veins, so we’ve compiled a list of 5 frequently asked questions to offer some insight.
FAQ: What’s the Difference Between Varicose and Spider Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels that are swollen and raised above the skin. They can be dark purple, blue, or flesh-colored, and are often clumped together. While they can form anywhere on the legs, they are often found on the back of the calves or inside of the legs.
Spider veins are similar, but they are closer to the skin and smaller in size. They are commonly red or blue and can look like spider webs. These can occur anywhere on the legs, covering either a small or large area of skin. While they do not bulge like varicose, they can be more noticeable.
What Are The Symptoms of Spider Veins?
In many cases, spider veins will not cause pain, but they can give slight pain or discomfort to certain people. Some symptoms to look out for are:
- Throbbing, swelling, or cramping in your lower legs.
- Skin discoloration in or around the leg area.
- Aching in the legs.
- Itchiness around veins in the lower leg area.
If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to visit a medispa for treatment
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins can be caused by many different factors. They are a result of pressure being placed on weak valves in the veins, leading to swelling of the veins.
Some risk factors for spider veins are:- Obesity
- Aging
- Excessive sun exposure
- Genetics
- Remaining sedentary for long periods
- Pregnancy
All of these things can increase the risk of spider veins, so it is important to make an effort to combat the factors that you can control, such as leading a healthy lifestyle and limiting sun exposure.
Can Spider Veins Go Away On Their Own?
Because spider veins are typically cosmetic issues that don’t often cause pain, many wonder if they will go away on their own. Spider veins will not disappear without treatment, and while they may not be painful, they can get worse over time. There are treatment options available for spider veins, like injection treatments and laser treatments such as sclerotherapy.
Spider veins can be unpleasant to look at, so many people opt to get them removed. Some people with spider veins may also experience negative symptoms like pain and swelling, and treatment can reduce those symptoms as well. If you have spider veins, it is important to get them treated, even if they aren’t initially causing a problem.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is one of the most common treatments for spider veins. It’s an alternative laser treatment used to get rid of spider veins on the legs. You may need multiple treatments of sclerotherapy depending upon the extent of your spider veins. With a small needle, fine veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, irritating the lining of the veins, causing them to collapse and fade from view. Sclerotherapy may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with spider veins, such as aching, burning and swelling.
If you are in need of sclerotherapy, Pure Medispa offers top of the line sclerotherapy treatments performed by experts.
Spider veins can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and occasionally painful. It’s important to know the facts about spider veins and what treatment options are available to you. If you are in need of spider veins treatment, laser resurfacing, or any scar removal services, Pure Medispa can keep you looking and feeling your best.
Are you in need of spider veins treatment? PURE Medispa offers services ranging from sclerotherapy to chemical peels to restore your skin’s youthful and radiant glow. Dr. Scott Mckenna, MD, and his highly experienced team of medical estheticians specialize in professional treatment options to help you feel and look your best. Schedule your free consultation online or call us at (570)-941-8460 for more information.
