The name spider fits perfectly with the web-like formation of veins that you can see just under the surface of your skin. Typically, they’re either blue, red or purple in color and they appear on different areas of the body. Some people experience little red ones on the sides of their nose, while others have them on their legs and around the ankles. These blood vessels are highly visible because they are dilated and live near the surface of the skin. Individual spider veins are tiny, but they can become noticeable when they cluster together.

Spider veins are functional, useful and similar to varicose veins. However, they are redundant, so if they are bugging you, they can be removed. The procedure is much easier than varicose vein removal.

How to Manage Spider Veins Medically

Removing spider veins is a simple procedure and you can do it in the doctor’s office. A physician can perform this procedure in as little as 10 minutes. Laser therapy can also be used to target and spider veins, also known as telangiectasia, are typically harmless enough. Occasionally, they can be itchy. If the look of them is driving you crazy, a dermatologist can dissolve them with a treatment called sclerotherapy. Basically, the doctor injects a solution into the widened veins, which over time causes them to be reabsorbed into the body, slowly fading away and disappearing.

Alternative Remedies for Spider Veins

For facial spider veins, topical retinol (Retin-A) can be used to reduce their appearance by stimulating collagen growth in the dermis, which essentially thickens the skin.

I found this article which suggests applying natural ingredients. These include apple cider vinegar,  horse chestnut seeds, witch hazel or carrot oil combined with spinach oil and jojoba oil. Another option would be bilberry, which is taken internally.

While the precise cause of spider veins is unknown, their appearance can be exacerbated by lifestyle and environmental factors such as sun exposure, consuming alcohol, and using abrasive beauty products. Inflammatory conditions such as acne or rosacea may also cause spider veins by causing prolonged vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and broken capillaries.

No matter which route you take, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor for a diagnosis. Occasionally, spider veins may be caused by a rare, vascular disease. Your doctor will look for this during your evaluation.

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