The Causes and Prevention of Spider Veins

 If you notice patterns of vessels on the body that do not bother you in any way, you are most likely wondering how dangerous this skin condition is and whether these vessels need to be removed. Such manifestations are called spider veins.

Spider veins are an enlarged capillary network in a separate area of the skin. Usually, it looks like a purple, blue, or red cobweb of blood vessels. The shape of spider veins can be:

• Treelike
• Arachnid
• Dotted
• Linear

Scientifically, these defects are called telangiectasias. They most commonly occur on the face or legs but can also occur on other parts of the body.

According to statistics, up to 30% of adults have spider veins. Most of them are women since this condition is often formed after childbirth due to the heavy stress on the circulatory system. They are not dangerous but may not look aesthetically pleasing. There is an option for spider veins removal in many clinics.

Why Do Spider Veins Appear?

They occur for different reasons, depending on the area of the body. For example, the capillary network on the legs often increases due to expanding veins.

The valves in the veins prevent the flow of blood to the limbs. If they weaken, the blood overflows large vessels and enters the capillaries. As a result, they increase and become more noticeable.

On the face, spider veins occur when small vessels are destroyed. For example, this happens when blood pressure increases or due to sunburn.

There are 10 most important factors that increase the risk of spider veins. Some of them we can control, and many we can't. Here they are:

1. Heredity

Up to 90% of people with vascular patterns have relatives with similar problems.

2. Female gender

According to statistics, spider veins occur more often in women than in men.

3. Pregnancy

When carrying a child, the amount of blood in the body increases. This increases the pressure on the vessels. Vessel patterns often disappear after the baby is born.

4. Elderly age

As we age, the valves in our veins weaken. The risk of the outflow of blood to superficial vessels and their overflow increases.

5. Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal treatment increases the chances of having spider veins. For example, estrogen weakens the venous walls, causing the blood to overflow the capillaries.

6. Obesity

Big weight increases the amount of blood in the body, which increases the pressure in the veins.

7. Damage to blood vessels

When the venous valves are damaged, part of the blood enters the capillaries.

8. Sedentary lifestyle

If you are in one position for several hours, it is more difficult for the veins to pump blood to the heart.

9. Strong tension when coughing or sneezing

There is a rupture of small vessels. It also happens in pregnant women during childbirth.

10. Sunburn

Prolonged exposure to the sun damages the skin and destroys blood vessels.

Tips to Prevent Spider Veins

These tips will help prevent the occurrence of vascular cobwebs and their increase.

1. Wear sunscreen

Use sunscreen every day to protect your skin, especially on your face. In addition, wear clothes that protect your skin if you go outside for long periods of time.

2. Wear compression stockings

Wear special compression stockings if you or your family members already have spider veins on your legs. It will improve blood circulation.

3. Maintain a healthy weight

By this, you prevent increased pressure in the veins and improve blood flow.

4. Get active

If you have to sit or stand for a long time at work, take a break every 30 minutes to take a short walk.

5. Don't wear tight clothes

It disrupts blood flow and increases the risk of spider veins.

6. Be careful with hot baths

Due to the intense heat, the veins expand, which increases the risk of destruction of the venous walls.

7. Exercise Regularly

Exercise improves blood circulation and prevents blood stasis in the legs.

8. Drink less alcohol

In some people, when drinking alcohol, small vessels expand sharply and collapse. A characteristic sign is severe redness of the face.

9. See a dermatologist regularly

If you are at risk for the formation of spider veins, then a visit to the doctor will allow you to detect problems with capillaries in time.

10. Raise your legs

When sitting or lying down, raise your legs above the level of your heart. This will improve blood flow and prevent blood stasis.

These tips may not completely protect you from the appearance of spider veins but will significantly reduce the chance of their formation.