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Spider veins and reticular veins are small, web-like, blood vessels that are easily visible on the surface of your skin. They can be red, blue, or purple and are commonly associated with varicose veins. Spider veins range in diameter from 0.1 to 1 mm. Reticular veins are dilated bluish sub-dermal veins measuring between 1 and 3 mm in diameter. When veins are more than 3mm in diameter, they are referred to as varicose veins. Varicose veins, although still visible through the skin, are usually larger, raised blood vessels that are swollen.
Reticular Veins
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Spider Veins
Although spider and reticular veins can be viewed as a cosmetic problem, they are often a result of underlying venous reflux in the larger veins, which is a medical condition. When reflux develops in the larger veins and results in the veins becoming bigger, the pressure is often transmitted to the nearby smaller veins under the skin and these manifest as spider veins and reticular veins. Therefore, it can be beneficial to check for reflux in the larger veins which may be the underlying cause for a patient's spider veins. A non-invasive ultrasound examination is the gold-standard for diagnosing the site and severity of venous reflux in the veins of the leg.
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Risk Factors
There are many factors that can increase your chances of developing spider veins:
- Genetics: The majority of people who have spider veins, have family with them too.
- Age: People who are older (Age 40+) tend to have a higher chance of developing spider veins as valves in the veins get weaker over time.
- Gender: Spider veins are more prevalent among women than men.
- Prolonged Sitting and Standing: Veins have to work harder to pump blood back to the heart during extended times of inactivity.
- Obesity or Excessive Weight: Extra weight can add pressure to leg veins, making it difficult to pump blood back to the heart.
- Multiple Pregnancies: The extra weight of a child, with the increased blood flow associated with carrying a baby, leads to veins having to work harder than normal.
- Smoking: Narrows veins over time and thus puts added pressure on them.
Is This a Cosmetic Issue?
Although Spider Veins can be viewed as a cosmetic problem, and frequently treated in dermatology and other clinics by sclerotherapy, they can be a result of underlying Venous Reflux. Venous Reflux is NOT a cosmetic issue as is commonly believed. If left untreated, they can progress over time to more serious problems such as:
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Sclerotherapy |
This treatment is a quick, minimally invasive procedure which involves the locating of the veins and injecting of a solution which collapses the spider/reticular vein. Afterwards, the vein is reabsorbed and disappears. Sclerotherapy is relatively painless with little or no downtime.
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