Causes & Treatments for Spider Veins
What is Spider Veins?
Before we look into the treatments for spider veins, let us understand more about this vein dilation and its probable causes.
Dilated facial veins also known as “spider veins” or telangiectasias, is a common benign skin disorder that are small, thin and can appear on the surface of the skin. The widened blood vessels give the appearance of fine, easily visible, threadlike red, blue or purple lines. It grows gradually and is often seen in clusters. Spider veins are generally seen on areas frequently exposed to sunlight, like the cheeks and the nose. Apart from the face, it can also be found on the legs as well as the other parts of the body.
Spider veins are typically caused by weakened blood vessels, hormonal changes, genetics predisposition, aggravated by sun damage, extreme heat or cold or prolonged standing or sitting.
Difference between Spider Veins and Varicose Veins
Varicose veins on the other hand are large, swollen veins that appear on the surface of the skin. They often have a bulging or twisted appearance found on legs or feet. Generally, varicose veins are caused by weakened or damaged valves in the veins which can lead to blood pooling and increased pressure in the veins which leads them to enlarged, twisted, leading to discomfort, pain and/or even aching.
Apart from the difference in appearance and size, varicose veins are usually found on the legs or the feet and can be uncomfortable whereas spider veins are usually more a cosmetic concern.
Who is mostly like to develop Spider Veins?
- Individuals who work or play outdoors;
- are older, as your blood vessels begin to weaken and spider veins are more likely to form as skin ages;
- use health and beauty products that cause skin irritation, such as abrasive soaps and sponges;
- use corticosteroids and some skin products which thin and weaken the skin;
- drink too much alcohol, which increases the flow of blood in vessels; and are affected with diseases like rosacea, scleroderma, dermatomyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Treatment for Spider Veins
Many of our patients find their dilated facial veins unattractive and want to have them removed. Treatment for spider veins improves your overall skin’s appearance. Dr Kenneth Thean / Dr Chiam CT treat dilated facial veins using the 577 nm Yellow pulse dye laser. This laser is an effective treatment for spider veins, as it targets the widened blood vessel, forcing its walls to collapse. Which reduces the appearance of red marks or patterns on the skin.
Widespread and persistent facial flushing which gives the face a ‘ruddy’ complexion is caused by many tiny dilated broken facial veins.The Yellow laser scanner is able to carefully and accurately to seal the many dilated blood vessels in the skin.
Treatment with the Yellow laser for is painless and takes 5 to 15 minutes. There is no downtime. Therefore, you can resume your daily activities after your treatment. In order to reduce new spider veins from forming, it is good practice to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and extreme temperatures.