What Are the Treatments for Thread Veins on Legs?

Spider veins, also known as thread veins, are a vascular problem that afflicts both women and men. Women are most known for getting annoyed with having blue patches or streaks on their legs, which are the most common place to see spider veins. There are easy treatments for thread veins. Typically, it is an outpatient procedure.

Thread Veins

• Thread veins, or spider veins, are what happen when blood pools in the veins. When the blood does not circulate properly, it stops and pools inside the vein. Spider or thread veins sit at the surface of the skin so that the coloring of the blood in the veins comes through the skin and appears either red or purple. They can be hereditary or they can come with age. Many women who have gained a lot of weight during a pregnancy can develop them due to the excess strain on the legs.

Treatments for Thread Veins

• A common form of treatment is sclerotherapy. This is a procedure that injects a sclerosing solution into the vein. This causes the vein to collapse or dissolve, causing the vein and the coloration to fade from sight. Laser therapy, a common treatment, uses a powerful light that demolishes the vein altogether. There is no down time for healing required with this treatment. Although these treatments give permanent relief of current thread veins, it does not prevent more from developing.

Creams that Treat Thread Veins

• One of the biggest home remedies for thread veins are creams. There is a type of cream known as camouflage cream that can temporarily hide thread veins. It can be expensive over time. It is not a permanent cure, but it is a good alternative for those who are not sure about permanent treatment. Many people will start with a camouflage cream to treat the veins, and then move on to a more permanent solution.

Prevention

• Preventing thread, or spider veins, can be easy. If it is not a hereditary problem, it may be that you need to move your legs more. Getting plenty of exercise is one of the preventative measures. Not sitting for long periods of time without moving your legs is also another preventative measure. If you are going to be sitting in a car for hours, make sure you stop and walk around often. Keep your weight down to avoid excess pressure on the legs, and do not use excessive heat on the legs, such as a hot tub. Compression stockings may also help thread veins from developing.

Concerns Associated With Thread Veins

• Although thread veins are not typically dangerous, they can be a sign of a more serious and dangerous situation happening. Thread veins can indicate that there is a problem deeper in the leg. Thread veins can indicate a circulation problem where bigger veins, deeper beneath the skin, may be failing. This can mean blood clots. It is always best to see your doctor to have the spider veins checked to make sure they are just cosmetic and not a sign of circulation trouble.