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Treating Spider Veins: Dermatology Treatments with Great Results

If you’re struggling with spider veins, it can be tough to know what your options are. Fortunately, there are spider vein treatments available. Here are a few your dermatologist may recommend.

Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Before we begin, it’s important to note that varicose veins and spider veins are two different issues. Varicose veins are large, swollen blood vessels that can become raised. They twist and turn, and are most often seen on the legs. Spider veins, on the other hand, are still blood vessels that are visible beneath the skin, but they’re much smaller and not typically raised. These veins can commonly be seen in the face and legs, as well. In this blog, we’re focusing on treatments for spider veins, though some of them may be useful for varicose veins, as well.

Compression Stockings

One form of spider vein treatment is compression stockings. These stockings are used to help apply pressure that can move blood from these damaged veins back to your heart. The reason spider veins form is weakened valves within blood vessels. In healthy veins, blood flows only one way. With weakened valves, some blood can accumulate in the vein and put extra pressure on its walls. Thus, the vein wall weakens and veins become overfilled and visible through the skin. Compression stockings can help with some of that vein wall weakness. While this method may help vein function, you’ll still have visible leg veins.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is one of the most common treatments for severe spider veins. During this treatment a dermatologist will inject a chemical into the spider veins you want treated. This chemical irritates the vein walls and causes them to stick together, limiting blood flow. After a quick massage of the treated area, you’ll put on a pair of compression stockings, be observed for a short time, and then you’ll be able to go home. Most patients can return to their normal activities the next day. For spider veins, this treatment can make them disappear in about six weeks. Do note that it may take multiple sessions to get optimal results for your spider veins.

Laser Therapy

Much like you would use laser light therapy for many other skin conditions, you can use it to treat spider veins. During this procedure, your dermatologist will direct a specialized laser at the spider veins you want treated. One of the benefits of this spider vein treatment is that laser light can destroy your spider veins without damaging your skin. It should be noted that after laser therapy, you need to avoid sun exposure at the treatment area for at least three to four weeks. Compression stockings should also be worn after each treatment. Fortunately, some spider veins can disappear after the first treatment. It’s still recommended to invest in multiple treatments for best results, though.

If you’re struggling with varicose veins and spider veins and you have questions, contact SE Dermatology Specialists today. We want to help you live your most confident life.

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