Functional Information About Spider Veins   by Ben Pate

in Health / Skin Care    (submitted 2011-03-22)

There is a lot of information in books, leaflets, and on the internet about spider veins. It can be difficult to know that you have all of the facts you need and even more difficult to digest all of this information. This article provides some basic facts and guidance on this subject. As with any medical issue, always consult a clinician to get advice suited to your personal situation.

This type of diagnosis starts with someone noticing red or blue short, uneven lines just underneath the surface of the skin. These lines can appear on the face or on the legs or both as vein contents. The quantity of markings varies with each person. Some people only notice a couple and others experience large areas of the body being covered.

Hormonal changes or being in sunshine can both be a cause. It may be the case that blood is not being efficiently pumped around the body. If blood does not circulate properly, this can be because of an inability for the heart valves to function as they should, or as an effect of being injured, causing blood flow to be restricted.

Men do acquire these markings but it is predominantly seen in women. It usually occurs between eighteen and thirty five years of age and peaks when someone is between fifty and sixty years old. Age can be a relevant factor because of natural changes in the body. Women have particularly strong periods of hormonal change and this may be reflected in the statistical bias of occurrence.

They are commonly seen in pregnancy as an effect of the change in hormones that can temporarily make the venous structure less strong than usual. Pregnancy carries with it an increase in blood volume. Commonly, a more obvious prominence occurs. Any influence of pregnancy on these types of symptoms often go away by themselves without recourse to medical or cosmetic treatment.

People who do not move around much are especially likely to get spider veins. It occurs when blood, because of the effects of gravity, does not move as freely around the body. People with office jobs where they are sitting all day, people who cannot easily move due to a disability, and obese people are all more likely to have these prominent markings.

They are not usually dangerous to health but it is useful to check with a doctor to be sure there is no underlying cause. The appearance can also be accompanied by a feeling of itching or burning. If one experiences any symptoms, a clinician can ease their mind and advise on what can prevent discomfort.

About the Author

A doctor will view the affected area and may recommend an ultrasound test for the thread veins. An ultrasound test can show the health of the veins and either confirm that there is no cause for concern or enable necessary action to be taken. There are many causes and types of spider veins but only by visiting your doctor can you be provided all the facts that are relevant to the individual. In most cases, there is nothing to worry about but if there are any concerns, do not feel like you may be wasting the doctor's time. Advice, treatment, and peace of mind is what the doctor is there for.