Spider veins causes and dangers
Spider veins occur when the valve inside a vein stops working correctly, making it harder for the blood to flow in the right direction.
Some blood gets stuck inside particular veins that act like dead ends, as these veins don’t allow the blood to flow anymore. Over time, the blood stuck in these veins changes colors, leading to spider veins.
Spider veins that appear on the face can occur as a result of sun damage and wind exposure.
On their own, spider veins aren’t dangerous. However, depending on their cause, they may indicate side effects from medications or consequences of lifestyle choices. Let’s look at a few potential causes of spider veins.
Hormonal treatments
Spider veins are more common in women than in men. Hormonal treatments are a potential reason why so many women develop spider veins, as estrogen and progesterone, whether via shots or pills, can weaken the veins’ valves.
Women who get pregnant may also develop spider veins due to hormone fluctuations that occur throughout pregnancy.
A high body fat percentage
Excess body fat doesn’t just force your heart to work harder, but it also puts more pressure on your veins and arteries. The extra load can weaken your valves, causing blood to pool in small veins.
Weight loss can help prevent spider veins from occurring, but it won’t reverse the damage already done to your veins.
Occupations that involve standing up for prolonged periods
Sitting down for prolonged periods can lead to lower back pain, whereas standing up for extended periods can cause spider veins and varicose veins to develop in your legs.
The secret is to alternate between sitting down and standing up. In some cases, you can help your circulatory system by wearing comfortable shoes and compression stockings. You may also benefit from elevating your legs on a chair at the end of the day.
Eliminate your spider veins with a non-invasive treatment
At Colorado Skin Care, our specialists can teach you preventive measures against spider veins and improve your skin’s appearance by removing your current spider veins.
If spider veins make you feel self-conscious, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team uses injections to make unsightly spider veins disappear. Sclerotherapy isn’t painful, and it takes just a few minutes for our provider to inject the solution. After the treatment, you can return to your everyday routine.