Questions About Spider Veins
Spider veins are exactly what their name suggests; they're veins that become webbed in appearance, similar to that of a spider's web. When most people think of spider veins, they probably get a picture in their heads of reddish, purplish veins spreading out on the legs. The fact is, though, that spider veins can appear just about anywhere on the body where veins exist. Another common location for spider veins to develop is the face. There are so many other common questions about spider veins that need to be answered for most people, especially since spider veins are becoming more common than ever throughout the U.S. Following are answers to some of the most common questions about spider veins that may help those who suffer from them understand them better, and those who don't have them take preventive measures against developing spider veins in the future.
Do spider veins occur only on the legs?
No. Though it is true that spider veins typically occur on the legs due to gravity as well as the pressure legs take from standing and walking, it's also true that spider veins can occur just about anywhere on the body that has veins. In fact, the face is another significant area of the body that spider veins can develop, most often around the nose, chin, and even cheeks.
Can men get spider veins?
Yes. Although it is a statistical fact that women suffer from spider veins (as well as varicose veins) more often than men due to hormone changes during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, it's also true that men can develop spider veins, too. Because spider veins can occur due to such factors as obesity, heredity, sitting or standing for long periods of time, aging, and sedentary lifestyle, men are also at risk for developing spider veins.
Are spider veins harmful?
No... and yes. Most people who have spider veins develop no other symptoms from them other than their rather unsightly appearance. And, most of the time, spider veins don't pose a health risk. However, if you're someone who has spider veins that have become painful or are causing you other symptoms such as burning, itching, heaviness in the legs, or difficulty walking, contact your physician, as this may be a sign of worsening blood circulation.
Can spider veins be prevented?
This is another question that requires a yes-and-no answer. Yes, there are steps you can take to prevent the development of spider veins, such as losing weight, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. And... no, not everyone who observes these and other preventive measures of spider veins will escape developing them. Because spider veins can be inherited or can even occur due to injury from an accident, they are not 100-percent preventable.
Can spider veins be inherited?
Yes. Heredity can play a powerful role in many health conditions, and spider veins are among these. If you're someone who has a family history of spider veins, especially a parent, your risk of also developing them is greater. This is why it's vital for everyone who has a blood relative with spider veins or varicose veins to take necessary preventive steps to avoid developing enlarged veins and other circulatory problems.
Are there treatments for my spider veins?
Yes. Thankfully, spider veins are a very treatable medical condition. For some patients, merely making a few lifestyle changes will help to reduce or even to eliminate their spider veins. For other patients, compression stockings are enough to redirect blood flow and reduce the appearance of spider veins. And, for patients whose spider veins may be a bit more on the stubborn side, there are a number of vein treatments and throughout the country that will help to fade these enlarged veins. These treatments include vein stripping, Sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, laser therapy, to name just a few.
Many spiders are harmless. And, thankfully, so are many cases of spider veins. In fact, most folks who have spider veins never develop any further symptoms than just the signature unsightly appearance. Of course, it's that unattractive appearance that has made millions of folks throughout the country opt for treatment of their spider veins. If you find yourself in the position of asking what you can do about your spider veins, consider contacting a vein treatment center in your area for more information and to schedule a consultation about the various treatment options available for your spider veins.
Do spider veins occur only on the legs?
No. Though it is true that spider veins typically occur on the legs due to gravity as well as the pressure legs take from standing and walking, it's also true that spider veins can occur just about anywhere on the body that has veins. In fact, the face is another significant area of the body that spider veins can develop, most often around the nose, chin, and even cheeks.
Can men get spider veins?
Yes. Although it is a statistical fact that women suffer from spider veins (as well as varicose veins) more often than men due to hormone changes during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, it's also true that men can develop spider veins, too. Because spider veins can occur due to such factors as obesity, heredity, sitting or standing for long periods of time, aging, and sedentary lifestyle, men are also at risk for developing spider veins.
Are spider veins harmful?
No... and yes. Most people who have spider veins develop no other symptoms from them other than their rather unsightly appearance. And, most of the time, spider veins don't pose a health risk. However, if you're someone who has spider veins that have become painful or are causing you other symptoms such as burning, itching, heaviness in the legs, or difficulty walking, contact your physician, as this may be a sign of worsening blood circulation.
Can spider veins be prevented?
This is another question that requires a yes-and-no answer. Yes, there are steps you can take to prevent the development of spider veins, such as losing weight, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. And... no, not everyone who observes these and other preventive measures of spider veins will escape developing them. Because spider veins can be inherited or can even occur due to injury from an accident, they are not 100-percent preventable.
Can spider veins be inherited?
Yes. Heredity can play a powerful role in many health conditions, and spider veins are among these. If you're someone who has a family history of spider veins, especially a parent, your risk of also developing them is greater. This is why it's vital for everyone who has a blood relative with spider veins or varicose veins to take necessary preventive steps to avoid developing enlarged veins and other circulatory problems.
Are there treatments for my spider veins?
Yes. Thankfully, spider veins are a very treatable medical condition. For some patients, merely making a few lifestyle changes will help to reduce or even to eliminate their spider veins. For other patients, compression stockings are enough to redirect blood flow and reduce the appearance of spider veins. And, for patients whose spider veins may be a bit more on the stubborn side, there are a number of vein treatments and throughout the country that will help to fade these enlarged veins. These treatments include vein stripping, Sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, laser therapy, to name just a few.
Many spiders are harmless. And, thankfully, so are many cases of spider veins. In fact, most folks who have spider veins never develop any further symptoms than just the signature unsightly appearance. Of course, it's that unattractive appearance that has made millions of folks throughout the country opt for treatment of their spider veins. If you find yourself in the position of asking what you can do about your spider veins, consider contacting a vein treatment center in your area for more information and to schedule a consultation about the various treatment options available for your spider veins.