Spider Veins On Your Face?

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The term spider veins shouldn't scare you, but it's understandable you would have questions about them. Let's see if we can't quash your fears.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins, or telangiectasis, are tiny (0.5  1 mm) dilated blood vessels that you will find at or near the surface of the skin or membrane. Spider veins are often called varicose veins. They are like varicose veins, but not as big. They start as capillaries and look like tiny blue or red lines. Spider veins may appear isolated or appear with feeder veins. They may also be near varicose veins.

The Appearance of Spider Veins

You'll find spider veins in three forms:

1. They look like a spider with a bunch of veins branching out.
2. They look like tree branches.
3. They form thin separate lines in a linear pattern.

Where Spider Veins Can Be Found

Popular locations include the ankles, arms, calves, cheeks, chin, knees, legs, neck, nose, and thighs. But don't worry because spider veins come and go. The reason you would find spider veins on your legs is primarily because of these factors: age, gender, hormones, lifestyle, occupation, pregnancy, trauma, and weight gain. When spider veins are found on the legs, they're usually associated with varicose veins. The reason you would find spider veins on your trunk or face is because of these factors: cold exposure, radiation exposure, Rosacea (chronic acne), sun exposure, and trauma.

The Causes of Spider Veins

For the most part, obscure inherited or congenital conditions cause spider veins. Elevated estrogen levels, excessive alcohol, medication, and pesticides can also cause spider veins.

The Symptoms of Spider Veins

It's not uncommon for spider veins to have the following symptoms: aching, cramping, heaviness, and itching. You'll notice pain is not a symptom of spider veins. It's important to note spider veins do not cause actual pain, fatigue, or swelling. If you suffer with these symptoms, it is not from spider veins. You should seek your health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

The Prevalence of Spider Veins

Its estimated one-third of the entire adult female population has some form of spider veins at one time or another.

The Most Common Natural Remedies for Spider Veins

Three natural remedies are suggested to prevent spider veins: horse chestnut, witch hazel, and horse tail. Vitamin C is also beneficial when it comes to spider veins because it strengthens the capillaries, reduces inflammation, and aids in healing. Bioflavonoids (PCO, quercetin, and bromelain) are also strongly recommended.

The Most Common Medical Treatment Option for Spider Veins

Even though spider veins are harmless, most people address them for cosmetic reasons. The most accepted treatment option is sclerotherapy. A solution is injected into the vein to harden and shrink it. As with any procedure, there are possible side effects. Sclerotherapy side effects include: allergic reaction, blood clots, bruising, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, recurring veins, telangiectatic matting, trapped blood, and ulcers.

Life After Spider Veins

As you can see, there is life after spider veins! And if you remember from reading above, spider veins come and go. What may preoccupy you today may not be there tomorrow. Do what you can to make necessary lifestyle changes and then forget about them!

Sources:

http://www.veindirectory.org/content/spider_veins.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider_veins

http://www.medrehab.com/Sclero_SideEffects.php

http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_vari.htm