Most Effective Treatment for Spider Veins

Spider veins are caused when capillaries burst beneath the skin, showing as tiny red or blue lines. They commonly occur on the thighs and calves, as well as the face. There are a number of treatments available for spider veins, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Laser surgery is a common option, but there are also non-surgical methods available.

Sclerotherapy

• Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical into the spider vein area to destroy the lining of the vein, thus removing the cells that cause the small lines. The veins take a few months to fade completely, but the American Academy of Dermatology states that sclerotherapy has an 80 to 90 percent success rate.

Laser Treatment

• Laser treatment is a common method of spider vein removal, and uses laser light to immediately dissolve the capillaries causing the lines. There are minimal side effects, and the results are instantaneous. Anyone seeking laser treatment should ensure that it is covered by their insurance; as spider-vein treatment is purely a cosmetic procedure, many insurance companies will not cover it as standard.

Vitamin Treatment

• For those who do not like the idea of chemical or laser treatment, there are a number of vitamins that boost skin health and can help to get rid of spider veins. Vitamins A, B, C E and K are all useful in treating this condition, and are available in either a pill or cream format. The results take longer to see, but there are minimal side effects.

Parsley

• Parsley can even be used to treat spider veins. Chop a handful of parsley and boil in water for five minutes. Strain and add a drop of rose and marigold essential oils, which help to treat spider veins and improve skin condition. Let the infusion cool and apply to the affected area over a period of months.