Many people get spider veins as they age, but the fact is that they will occur at any age. Varicose or spider veins affect between 30% and 60% of adults (a smaller, usually less painful type of dysfunctional vein). We mostly think about these twisty, turning, black, red, or blue veins affecting the legs of people who stand for long periods of time (teachers, restaurant employees, nurses, factory workers, etc.). Still, they may also occur on the face or chest.
Spider veins are just a cosmetic issue. And if you’re not feeling any pain or swelling, it’s good to ignore them.
Why do spider veins occur?
It is helpful to understand why spider veins form in the first place to decide the right way to treat them. Spider veins normally form a network that resembles a spider’s web or a starburst pattern. They can be red or blue, and some can become very large. We most commonly see spider veins on the leg, especially behind the knee and on the face. These visible vessels can appear nearly anywhere on the body.
A number of factors may cause spider veins, including:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Injury or trauma to the skin
- Excessive exposure to the sun
- Some medicines, including anabolic steroids
- Excessive alcohol intake (facial veins)
Genetics plays a major role in causing spider veins. This means that whether one or more of your parents have them, you are more likely to develop them as well. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or long hours on your feet during the day are other causes that may increase your chances of developing these networks.
Top tips to get rid of spider veins
1. Wear Compression Socks
According to Eidson, keeping normal or reduced venous pressure may avoid the development of spider veins or minimize their appearance. That’s why doctors recommend wearing compression socks to help normal leg vein function and prevent elevated venous pressure.
Compression stockings add constant pressure to the legs to encourage blood supply back to the heart. You should wear them every day and only take them off when you get home or go to bed. They are most commonly used after an in-office spider vein treatment to promote the best possible results while minimizing adverse side effects such as discoloration, development of new vessels, and recurrence.
2. Staying in one place for too long is not a good idea
Have you ever got numb in your legs and lower back after watching too many hours of Netflix on the couch? Staying in one position—sitting or standing—for an extended period of time can exacerbate spider veins’ symptoms by causing blood to settle instead of circulating properly. Every 30 minutes or so, take a fast break and move around and work the leg muscles’ pumping action.
When you work at a desk, consider switching between sitting and standing positions multiple times during the day to get the blood circulating through your legs.
3. Get Some Exercise
Doctors recommend routine exercise for the same reasons. Regular physical exercise, in the same way, strengthens the pumping action of the muscles of the legs.
It makes no difference what kind of exercise you do. So find something you like (running, walking, yoga, CrossFit, etc.) and do it a couple of days a week.
4. Elevate Your Legs
Another preventative measure is to have the knees propped up. Elevating the legs while working or resting, or putting a pillow underneath them at night, works against gravity forces and helps blood return. This is especially important if your job requires you to spend a lot of time sitting at a computer.
Options in Natural Spider Vein Remedies
Natural treatments are often the first option for spider vein patients who do not want to undergo surgical care to remove the veins. The natural solution is attractive because it does not necessitate a prescription or treatment by a physician. Many of these options are as close as the nearest grocery store. The following are some of the most common natural remedies for spider veins:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can treat a wide range of conditions and problems, including spider veins. The substance promotes proper blood flow and circulation, which can prevent spider and varicose veins. The apple cider vinegar is typically applied directly to the skin, according to most recommendations. In certain cases, users are advised to wrap a piece of fabric in vinegar and then wrap it around the area for 20-30 minutes at a time.
2. Diet
Eating foods that reduce inflammation and encourage healthy blood flow can help keep spider veins at bay. Fiber and antioxidant-rich foods help the body’s overall health, especially the circulatory system. Magnesium, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids are other foods to look for in your daily diet. Simultaneously, avoiding saturated fats, processed sugar, alcohol, and sodium may go a long way toward promoting good circulation in the longer term.
3. Herbal Supplements
Supplements are another popular treatment for spider veins and a variety of other illnesses. Spider veins respond to external application of witch hazel and oral doses of ginkgo Biloba, bilberries, and horse chestnut. Garlic, turmeric, and cayenne pepper are several other supplements that are widely prescribed for spider veins. Butcher’s broom could be a safe option if your veins are causing problems such as heaviness or aching in your legs at the end of the day.
4. Essential Oils
Essential oils are another natural treatment choice for a variety of health issues. For nipping spider veins in the bud, The best oils to have on hand include:
- Tea tree
- Geranium
- Cypress
- Lemongrass
- Lavender
- Yarrow
You should use essential oils as a hot or cold compress, a wash, or massage oil. Some oils may also be added directly to the skin, although it is important to ensure that it does not cause irritation or burning.
5. Massage therapy
Massage helps with spider veins because it stimulates proper blood circulation. This method can also help to reduce the pain and swelling that are often associated with spider veins. Massage should only be done by a professional practitioner, preferably by someone who has treated spider veins before.
When these Treatments Don’t Work?
If you’ve tried all of these spider vein therapies and haven’t worked, there is another option. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that can be performed right in the doctor’s office with no incisions or anesthesia. Sterile fluid is now injected into the affected veins, causing the vessel to close shut and collapse. Over time, the vessel is reabsorbed by the body and is no longer appears on the skin’s surface.
You can also treat it with the 595 nm pulsed-dye laser.
The Bottom Line
Finally, whether you have spider or varicose veins, you could see a doctor or dermatologist. They will help you understand how bad your specific condition is, discuss what may underlying issues may have caused it, and, if necessary, guide you through your treatment options.
