Spider veins or Telangiectasia as they are better medically known, are small permanently dilated capilliaries or venules and are often found in the face, legs and ankles. The presence of these veins can indicate a deeper circulatory problem but in most cases will be superficial and therefore harmless. (Werner, 2016)
Spider veins are very similar to Varicose veins although much smaller and a lot closer to the skin. Veins carry deoxygenated blood through our body and back to our heart. In the case of our legs, the veins are working against gravity and so the muscles from within our legs assist the blood flow. Valves inside the veins prevent blood from flowing back, keeping it one directional. In the case of both spider veins and varicose veins, when the valves that are inside the veins stop working properly, blood pools and the vein distends. (Varicose veins and Spider veins, 2017) …show more content…
They are visually unattractive, sometimes appearing red or purple with the resemblance of a spiders web and people can feel self conscious when they do occur. They sometimes spontaneously resolve after a few months. More often sufferers have them treated for cosmetic reasons . (College, 2006)
Spider Veins are most commonly treated with Sclerotherapy, a process where a chemical solution is injected into the vein that causes swelling and the vein to seal shut. It can be mildy painful with a burning stinging sensation however the treatment is easily done without the need for anaesthetics. Usually several treatments are required for the vein to no longer be visible. (womenshealth.gov, 2012)
I could find no specific evidence showing any benefit or contraindication for spider veins however, if they were to be treated in the same manner as varicose veins then it is recommended that massage should be avoided over distended vessels and no pressure techniques should be used distally to the site of the veins. (Casanelia,
Spider veins are very similar to Varicose veins although much smaller and a lot closer to the skin. Veins carry deoxygenated blood through our body and back to our heart. In the case of our legs, the veins are working against gravity and so the muscles from within our legs assist the blood flow. Valves inside the veins prevent blood from flowing back, keeping it one directional. In the case of both spider veins and varicose veins, when the valves that are inside the veins stop working properly, blood pools and the vein distends. (Varicose veins and Spider veins, 2017) …show more content…
They are visually unattractive, sometimes appearing red or purple with the resemblance of a spiders web and people can feel self conscious when they do occur. They sometimes spontaneously resolve after a few months. More often sufferers have them treated for cosmetic reasons . (College, 2006)
Spider Veins are most commonly treated with Sclerotherapy, a process where a chemical solution is injected into the vein that causes swelling and the vein to seal shut. It can be mildy painful with a burning stinging sensation however the treatment is easily done without the need for anaesthetics. Usually several treatments are required for the vein to no longer be visible. (womenshealth.gov, 2012)
I could find no specific evidence showing any benefit or contraindication for spider veins however, if they were to be treated in the same manner as varicose veins then it is recommended that massage should be avoided over distended vessels and no pressure techniques should be used distally to the site of the veins. (Casanelia,