Fine suffering with 'spider veins'…until now

• Friday September 29, 2006 | Posted in:

  Known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities are clusters of red, blue or purple veins that are small, almost inconspicuous yet they rest close to the surface of the skin and can crowd nastily -- commonly on the thighs, calves and ankles -- and can turn unsightly by the day.  

  FYI:  Commonly called ‘spider veins’ because they may appear in a true spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point.  The condition is attributed to heredity, pregnancy, weight gain, and other events that cause hormonal shifts.  Activities or occupations that require prolonged sitting or standing and use of certain medications are also blamed.  Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it.

   

   ‘Spider veins’ bother millions of women and not a few complain especially when the bothersome symptoms associated with this common cosmetic problem, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps start to occur.  Severe cases of spider veins are spited as plagued by the adult female population.  
       
  Regarded as the most effective treatment against spider veins today is ‘Sclerotherapy’.  Qualified plastic surgeons inject the affected area with mild sclerosing solution, which causes the swelling small veins to collapse, lighten and eventually fade from view, improving the appearance of one’s legs.  This relatively painless procedure may also remedy the accompanying painful symptoms.   

  Adult women of any age are good candidates for sclerotherapy but most ideally those falling in the 30-to-60 age category.  In the case of pregnant women, spider veins that surface will disappear on their own within three months after the baby is born.  Breastfeeding women are likewise advised to wait until after they have stopped nursing their infants.  

  How about men? Compared to women, spider veins in men are not nearly as common.  Even, men do not consider them a cosmetic problem because the veins are usually concealed by hair growth on the leg.  However, for men who seek treatment, sclerotherapy is just as effective.

  
   
  Risks, although very rare, include adverse allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution, formation of blood clots in the veins and severe inflammation.  Pigmentation irregularity -- brownish splotches on the affected skin that may take months to fade, is a common cosmetic complication.   

   

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