Very fine visible veins just beneath the skin surface are called Thread Veins, sometimes Spider Veins, or Flare Veins. They can arise spontaneously, for no particular reason other than increasing age. They commonly run in families, and may be in part due to the increases and decreases in hormones during the female cycle and pregnancy. They can, importantly, be the result of more significant venous disease, like Varicose Veins, that is not obvious without assessment from a Vein Specialist.
Thread veins rarely cause any symptoms, although they are sometimes reported to cause pain and discomfort. They are frequently seen as unsightly, and some people feel troubled by this so want them treated to improve their Quality of Life. When they cause pain or discomfort it is more likely that there is a more significant underlying vein problem which needs to be investigated and treated first. Treating thread veins by themselves, without addressing the underlying problem is often unsuccessful. A Specialist will be able to best guide what investigation and treatment will give the Best Results.
What is essential is that patients with thread veins undergo a thorough venous assessment to make sure that there is no underlying condition causing them. A Vein Specialist needs to assess and investigate the source of the Thread Veins. This is done using clinical examination, and by using appropriate investigation using Ultrasound or, less frequently, a Venogram.
Once any underlying vein condition, like Varicose Veins, has been properly treated, the Thread Veins are usually treated by Injection Sclerotherapy.
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