Spider veins are those small unsightly web-like networks of vessels in blue, purple and red that are clearly visible through the surface of the skin, normally on the face and legs. Although harmless, these types of veins can cause aching, burning and/or pain, especially for those who are on their feet for long periods of time. Removal of these unsightly veins can result in increase in confidence and a better quality of life.

There are a number of factors that can cause these types of veins, including:

• Occupations where a lot of standing is involved, like nursing, teaching, hair salons and factory work
• Heredity
• The hormonal influences of menopause, puberty and pregnancy
• Birth control pills
• History of blood clots
• Postmenopausal hormone replacement
• Increased pressure in the abdomen caused by medical conditions like constipation, tumors, as well as garments worn externally, such as girdles

Trauma or injury to the skin, exposure to ultraviolet light and previous vein surgery are other reported causes of these tiny vessels.

What is the best treatment for spider veins?

Although there are several types of treatment for spider veins, Sclerotherapy is the one considered to be the best.

A vascular surgeon is one that specializes in the treatment of vein disease and does the treatment on an outpatient basis. The treatment involves the injecting of a solution into each vein, causing the vessels to become irritated, resulting in them sticking to each other and eventually closing. Ultrasound-guided Sclerotherapy is sometimes used in order to direct the needle while the sclerosant is being injected.

What are the benefits of sclerotherapy?

This form of Spider Vein Treament is considered by many in the medical world, to be the top type of treatment for spider veins, because of the following benefits enjoyed by the patients:

• It’s minimally invasive and needs no general anaesthesia or hospitalization
• It is safe, with few risks and very few side-effects, if any, which usually fade after just a few days or weeks
• Pre-preparation is easy
• The procedure, which takes less than an hour, causes little discomfort and pain
• The majority of individuals can get on with their normal daily activities, except for anything strenuous, directly after treatment
• There is an 80% success rate for using Sclerotherapy for eliminating spider veins

Depending on the size and location of the spider veins that are to be eliminated, patients might need to undergo more than one session of Sclerotherapy with a vascular surgeon, to make sure that the procedure is successful.