Spider veins are a common skin condition, as more than 50% of women are impacted by it. The skin condition is characterized by visibly damaged blood vessels that are close to the skin’s surface. They are often red, blue, or purple clusters of veins that look like spider webs. Many people are concerned about the way it impacts their appearance as they can develop anywhere on your body. Most commonly, they are found on the legs and face, which can cause insecurity. If you have them, you may wonder, are spider veins dangerous? Below you will find more information about spider veins, including the best treatment options.
Are Spider Veins Dangerous?
Spider veins are common among women and older people. While they can appear anywhere on your body, they often show up on your legs and face. In the vast majority of cases, spider veins are not a cause for medical concern. They are often a cosmetic issue alone and pose no direct harm to your health. Most people who have spider veins are insecure about their appearance alone.
While spider veins are often just a cosmetic issue, some cases may indicate a health issue. For some patients, spider veins can be an early indication of chronic venous insufficiency (“CVI”). CVI is a disease that impacts your veins. If left untreated, it can have a negative impact on your overall health and well-being and potentially lead to serious health complications. If you notice spider veins appearing on your body, contact a medical professional. They can provide you with guidance about whether the issue is cosmetic or a serious health issue that needs to be addressed.
Causes of Spider Veins
Spider veins appear just under your skin and are caused by the weakening and expansion of small blood vessels. The veins in your legs have valves that help regulate blood flow. If the valves become weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins. This leads to the development of spider veins. What causes the weakening and expansion is not always clear, but there are a number of factors that are associated with the formation of spider veins. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause, genetics, conjunctive tissue diseases, and injury or trauma can cause spider veins.
Spider Vein Risk Factors
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk for spider veins. Consider the following factors and talk with your medical provider about your level of risk.
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Use hormonal birth control or hormone therapy for menopause
- Regularly standing for long periods of time
- Spend a lot of time in the sun
- Current or past smoker
Symptoms of Spider Veins
Spider veins do not usually come with symptoms outside of the appearance of the skin condition on your body. However, some people do experience additional symptoms. These symptoms are especially common after standing for long periods. However, they are often unrelated to spider veins and may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as CVI. Some symptoms include burning, cramping, pain, legs that feel tired, and itching.
Spider Vein Treatment
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your spider veins, consider varicose and spider vein treatment near you. Vasculaze is a safe and effective procedure that utilizes laser technology to target and treat spider veins. It is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require a long recovery period. The first step in determining if the treatment is right for you is setting up a consultation with the top med spa near you in Los Angeles. Contact the team at Mirror Mirror Med Spa today to schedule an appointment!