Sclerotherapy
Varicose veins are large, swollen blood vessels, usually in your legs, that can be seen through your skin. Spider veins are their smaller counterparts. Varicose veins can be red, blue, or purple, and spider veins sometimes occur on the face as well. Treatment for varicose veins is usually very effective.
If you suffer from venous insufficiency — which is when the valves in your veins, particularly in your legs, don’t work properly. If you’re interested in cosmetic benefits, sclerotherapy can reduce or eliminate the appearance of unsightly varicose veins.
Who Gets Varicose and Spider Veins
You may have high risk factors for developing varicose and spider veins, but most people respond well to treatment for varicose veins. Risk factors include:
- A family history of the condition
- Being involved in a profession that requires a lot of standing, such as a hairstylist, nurse, teacher or factory worker
- Obesity
- Hormonal issues related to puberty, pregnancy or menopause
- Taking birth control pills
- Undergoing postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
- A history of blood clots
- Increased pressure in your abdomen — from tumors, constipation or girdles
- Pregnancy
- Trauma or injury to the skin of your legs
- Previous vein surgery
- Extensive exposure to ultraviolet rays
Symptoms of varicose veins can include pain, aching or cramping in your legs. You may also feel more tired or restless than usual. Sometimes, you experience burning, throbbing, tingling or heaviness in your legs. Swelling, ulcers and a darkening of your skin — especially around your ankles — are rarely seen symptoms, but are still possible.