Spider Veins—11 Facts You May Not Know

Introduction

In simple terms, spider veins may be described as the "little brothers" of varicose veins.  They are not just smaller but subscribe to a few other basic differences.  These types of vessels broadly fall under the category of “dysfunctional veins.”

Why do veins become dysfunctional?  Common problems that lead to “bad veins” include venous insufficiency and reflux.  Simply put, when blood going back to the heart and lungs for re-oxygenation cannot efficiently get past the many valves built into veins, it starts to pool or collect around those faulty valves.  

It is this impromptu collecting of blood that makes veins bulge and stand out unattractively; in some cases, medical complications can also ensue. 

Distinctive Spider Vein Facts Worth Knowing:

1). They may be made worse (or partly be caused) by constant exposure to sunlight.  This is believed to be so, among other reasons, because spider veins tend to develop in the face and other areas routinely exposed to sunlight.  It must be noted, however, that spider veins can also develop in areas of the body not routinely exposed to the sun. 

2). Spider veins are usually closer to the outer skin than varicose veins.  Consequently, they are usually not as pronounced or bulging as varicose veins.  This means that they are easier to reach for treatment but can also be more susceptible to trauma, such as when people fall and scrape their skin. 

3). Spider veins can also be more tightly clustered than varicose veins.  In fact, they often resemble a spider’s woven food trap, which partly explains their epithet.  

4). Although some of the following treatments are more highly favored for other types of veins, spider veins may be treated using one or more of the following options:

• Sclerotherapy (most common treatment for leg spider veins)
• Surface laser ablation using Dornier 940 laser
• Facial vein therapy
• Vein stripping
• Laser closure (ELVeS, EVLT & ELAS)
• VNUS closure
• Trans-illuminated vein extraction (TriVex)
• Microphlebectomy 

5). The more precise term for spider veins is “telangiectasias.” 

6). Sometimes (especially when treated with Sclerotherapy for the legs) spider veins do not go away but simply become less noticeable.  Especially if a saline solution is used, the injections used for this procedure may sting a bit. 

7). A laser (e.g., VeinWave) is sometimes a preferred treatment choice, especially for spider veins on the face.  This option, however, may not be available at all vein treatment centers.

8). When comparing the appearance of “spider” versus “varicose” veins, note that the latter are generally darker, more bulging and, as mentioned before, larger in size. 

9). Spider vein treatments are usually convenient (letting people resume regular activities the very same day), discomfort/pain-free (for the most part), and effective in the long run. 

10).  Persons receiving treatment for spider veins may be asked to not engage in vigorous exercise/movement, wear strong support stocking for a while (while the veins heal) and avoid direct sunlight for about 2 weeks after treatment. 

11).  Spider veins may accompany or be an integral symptomatologic component of autoimmune ailments, including Dermatomyositis, Scleroderma, and Lupus.

Conclusion 

Spider veins may be a common thing but that does not mean you have to tolerate them.  In general, they do not pose significant medical problems but, still, their being treated may lead to aesthetic and medical benefits.

 Copyright, 2018.  Fred Fletcher.  All rights reserved.

 “Here’s to your health and wellness!” 

 References & Resources:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/spider-vein-treatment

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/varicose-veins-and-spider-veins

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240129.php

https://www.veininstitutenj.com/difference-between-varicose-veins-and-spider-veins/

https://www.hss.edu/conditions_telangiectasia-and-autoimmune-disease.asp