Although spider veins may be a pesky nuisance that haunt your legs, there is no need to fear them this Halloween. In fact, spider veins are often harmless and nothing more than a cosmetic concern.

Plus, there are a variety of ways to clear out spider veins, so that you’re no longer scared to show your legs in a revealing costume, shorts, or bathing suit.

Keep reading to learn your treatment options and don’t let spider veins haunt you this Halloween.

Spider Veins – What Are They?

Spider veins are dilated blood vessels below the skin’s surface that appear as red, blue, purple threads on the face, legs, and chest.

They are the result of leaky valves that allow blood to flow backwards and cause veins to enlarge.

What Are the Risk Factors for Spider Veins?

Most individuals encounter spider veins between 18-35 years of age, and they are often linked to hereditary or a circulatory issue.

Age, gender, pregnancy, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle have also been identified as factors that increase a person’s risk for spider veins.

Are Spider Veins a Sign of a Deeper Vein Disease?

In most cases, spider veins are a cosmetic issue that can make individuals self-conscious about their legs or other affected body parts. However, they are typically not indicative of a serious medical issue.

Nevertheless, in some cases, patients with spider veins may also have deeper, larger veins that are not functioning properly. When this occurs, people may experience symptoms such as swelling, aching, throbbing, leg heaviness, and discomfort.

In any instance, a vein specialist can evaluate spider veins and vascular health to rule out any underlying conditions and determine the best course of treatment.

How to Treat and Prevent Spider Veins?

The first line of treatment for spider veins are usually compression stockings, which gently squeeze leg veins to help propel blood back towards the heart.

Sclerotherapy is another non-surgical, zero-downtime option that eliminates spider veins with the help of a sclerosing agent. This chemical solution is injected into the affected vein and causes it to collapse and disappear within several weeks.

Additionally, while it’s not possible to completely prevent spider veins, individuals can take measures to reduce their likelihood and severity. These actions include weight management, regular exercise such as walking, avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and following a low-sodium diet.

If you have spider veins and are considering sclerotherapy or other treatments, please call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our vein specialists.

If you want to know more, call the Vein Center of Maryland to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located in Westminster, Eldersburg, Baltimore, Hunt Valley and Bel Air.