Have you lately noticed a dark-colored vein at the surface of your skin? The color of this vein depends on your skin tone. It is usually blue, red, or a dark shade of purple. The size varies as the bulging ones are called varicose veins. Suppose it looks like a spider web, squiggly lines, or entangled threads; in that case, you have what is medically referred to as telangiectasias, also known as spider veins. If you struggle with spider veins, it is safe not to panic. It’s time to say goodbye to that spider vein.
What is a spider vein?
Spider bites do not cause spider veins. Veins become very visible on the skin when they are damaged. Spider veins start to appear when the valves are weak or stop working. When this happens, blood backs up and clusters in the veins. According to this vein doctor directory, the concentrated blood becomes visible, and that’s called the spider vein. They are a symptom of varicose vein disease. Legs veins, chest, facial, and hand veins are good locations for spider veins.
It causes discomfort and can affect one’s life. Spider veins affect primarily women in 50% of the adult population who struggle with it. People think of spider veins as a feminine problem, but it affects men too. Most times, spider veins appear as dark dots that come together in one area. Spider veins barely fade on their own, and there are treatments for them. Always remember that the treatment of spider veins takes three to six weeks. They are not as life-threatening as varicose veins.
Causes & symptoms
It is best to know the difference between varicose veins and spider veins. The best way to do that is by knowing the symptoms and causes of spider veins. Here are some of the causes:
- Standing for too long
- Overweight
- Hormonal imbalance
- Birth control pills
- Genetics
- Pregnancy & Menstruation
- Leg ulcer
- Poor circulation & blood pressure
Spider veins are unavoidable if one or two of your parents have them. Some jobs require their workers to stand for a long time (cashiers at supermarkets); this can weaken the vein. It is also visible in older people causing discomfort in the calf muscle. Excessive exposure to the sun is one of the primary causes of spider veins. It almost seems like getting a spider is unavoidable. When there is much pressure on the leg, it causes spider veins. Some symptoms of spider veins are:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Heaviness
- Rashes & itching
- Aching and discomfort
How to Effectively Treat Spider Veins
There are options when it comes to the treatment of spider veins, either surgical or home remedies. If your spider vein feels warmer than your average body temperature, you should visit a hospital. Here are some quick home remedies for spider veins.
1. Massage
Poor blood circulation is one of the causes of spider veins. A massage on the affected area can improve blood circulation. By massaging the spider vein, it reduces pain and inflammation. To massage the spider vein, slightly warm an essential oil (preferably olive or almond oil) before use. The importance of using an antioxidant is because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid putting direct pressure on the veins. Massage gently to avoid damaging fragile tissues in the body.
2. Exercise
Exercising is essential for general body health. When the body is constantly in motion, it promotes blood circulation. An average person spends more time sitting down, and this keeps the leg in a static position. To get rid of spider veins, your exercise routine has to focus on the calf muscles. You should add low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, climbing the stairs, yoga, and walking to increase blood circulation on the legs. Exercise strengthens the vein and reduces the chances of spider veins.
3. Compression stockings (for leg spider veins)
You can get compression stockings from a pharmacy and online stores. It helps blood circulation to the heart. Compression stockings apply pressure to the legs and reduce the pain caused by spider veins. It gives extra support and reduces the appearance of spider veins. Always go for knee-high compression socks as it functions better than the average length socks (thigh-high and waist-high stockings).
4. Diet
Infuse more fiber and potassium into your diet. Avoid food rich in sodium or salt. It makes the body retain water. Eat more nuts, potatoes, vegetables, leafy vegetables, whole grain food, oats, and kinds of wheat. Overweight is a significant cause of spider veins. Reducing excess pounds on the body can reduce the chances of appearances of spider veins. Eat more flavonoids in your meal; it improves blood flow in the body. When you diet right, the spider veins reduce.\
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the most natural treatment for spider veins. It is excellent at reducing aching and swelling in the affected area. Add apple cider vinegar to a glass of water, drink twice daily. To taste better (taking vinegar alone isn’t good on your tastebuds), you can add a little honey. Also, place raw, undiluted apple cider vinegar in a cloth and place it in the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Wear comfortable clothes
Clothes can cause spider veins due to pressure. The pressure restricts blood flow, especially when the dresses are tight. Wear comfortable clothes, especially on the lower side of your body. The shoes you wear also matter, replace all your tight shoes with flat and comfortable ones.
Move around more. If your job has you sitting down for hours, take breaks and walk around. Keeping your body in a particular position for long reduces blood flow. Sit with your legs balanced to the floor as crossing your legs for too long can restrict blood flow. Apply essential oils like tea tree, lemongrass, lavender, yarrow, and cypress in a hot or cold compress to the affected area. If you can, elevate your legs. Make health supplements prescribed by a doctor, your best friend. If symptoms persist, visit your doctor.
Photo by Chermiti Mohamed on Unsplash
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