How to Treat Spider Veins

Spider veins are the unsightly red or purple sunburst or web patterns made by the smallest veins on your legs and face, sometimes called broken veins or capillaries. Heredity, pregnancy and hormonal changes play a role in their appearance.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Sports Bras
• Running Shoes
• Tae-Bo Workout video
• Compression Bandages
• Support Hose
• Home Gyms

1. Consult a board-certified dermatologic surgeon. Let her examine your spider veins. Discuss treatment options.

2. Consider sclerotherapy. Ten to forty veins can be treated in one session, one to five sessions are required for each vein.

3. Explore the possibility of Photoderm VL, a handheld treatment unit that is pressed against your skin, while gentle laser pulses destroy your spider veins. No injections or surgery are required.

4. Be aware of electrodesiccation, which seals off spider veins by applying electrical current.

5. Consider ambulatory phlebectomy if you are planning to have surgery on your varicose veins.

6. Follow your post-procedure orders carefully. They might include wearing compression bandages (similar to ace wraps) or support hose for two days to three weeks, as ordered.

7. Walk moderately. Gentle exercise improves circulation and speeds recovery.

8. Understand you may experience some slight swelling, bruising, itching or redness at the spider vein site. Scarring from the procedures is rare.

9. Know that health insurance policies do not cover the treatment of spider veins, even if the veins cause discomfort.

Tips & Warnings

• Spider veins can be an indication of a more serious, underlying cardiovascular problem, like increased venous pressures. Doctors generally like to do an overall workup before beginning spider vein treatment.

• For more information about the latest treatment options available for spider veins, call the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons at [phone].

• In some women, spider veins will pop up after receiving a blow to the legs, like when a tennis ball or softball smacks into you. If you are prone to spider veins, avoid contact sports.

• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.