Red veins on the face or legs are a common problem. They are not a serious medical issue, but some people feel self-conscious about them, and this can affect their self-esteem and overall sense of wellbeing. Fortunately, they are usually straightforward to treat. Here is a look at what causes them, and how they are treated.
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins, sometimes also called thread veins, are tiny dilated blood vessels which appear just below the skin’s surface. They are more common in older people, because the skin gets thinner and less elastic as we age, and the blood vessels are more prone to breakage.
The problem can be made worse by sun exposure and temperature changes, which enlarges the blood vessels. Alcohol consumption can also be a risk factor, especially if you are prone to facial flushing, because alcohol causes the blood vessels to become enlarged. Injuries which cause bruising can lead to damaged blood vessels and broken veins.
Pregnancy is another risk factor, because of elevated oestrogen levels in the body. Sometimes, spider veins are a hereditary issue, so if your parents had a lot of visible red veins, you will be more prone to developing them.
A skin condition called rosacea also often results in spider veins on the face. The problem is most common in women over the age of 30 with fair skin, although the exact reasons for this are unknown. It can cause the skin to appear red and flushed, and thread veins and acne-like bumps may appear across the central areas of face.
How can spider veins be treated?
There are a number of treatments for spider veins. One of the most effective is light therapy, which works by applying an intense light energy directly to the skin. This causes the damaged veins to heat up and destruct, leaving little or no trace of them behind. The treatment is suitable for most people, although it works best on those with fair skin.
Light therapy is effective for thread veins on the face, rosacea, port wine stains, and for some broken blood vessels on the legs. Patients may feel some mild discomfort, such as the sensation of a brief pin prick, and the area may feel mildly hot and swollen for up to 48 hours after the treatment.
The procedure usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on the size and type of the skin lesion. Small flaws may be corrected with just one treatment, although more extensive problems may require three to five treatments to fully take effect, with a break of four to five weeks in between.
Prior to the treatment, your therapist will carry out a consultation to check that there are no medical reasons why the procedure shouldn’t go ahead, and they will carry out a test patch to check if you have particular sensitivity to the treatment.
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