Thread veins can be quite an inconvenience to those who have them. Usually appearing on the legs, thread veins are said to affect more women than men with percentages of 88% to 79%. To understand thread veins we need to delve a little further.
Thread Veins, what are they?
Medically referred to as telangiectasia, thread veins are small prominent blood vessels appearing on the surface of the skin. It is reported as affecting over half of the adult population in western countries.
Popularly referred to as spider veins due to their branching patterning, thread veins are more of an aesthetic concern to some, but it may also be a discomfort and pain to others.
What are the causes?
Several factors can increase the risks of developing thread veins including:
- Age The aging process causes the skin to become thinner. This means that the fatty tissues under the skin decrease with time and hence expose the veins closer to the surface of the skin. These blood vessels also experience some form of wear and tear with age leading to the appearance of thread veins.
- Gender Women are at a higher risk of developing thread veins as compared to men due to the hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. As well as the use of contraceptives. The fluctuating hormonal changes that occur in women tend to have an effect on the veins, weakening the walls and thus making them prone to developing thread veins.
- Obesity Being overweight increases your likelihood of developing thread veins because the excess weight damages the veins.
- Family history People who have a history of relative suffering from thread veins are at a higher chance of getting them themselves.
- Lifestyle Sitting over an extended period of time leads to pooling of blood in the lower leg causing swelling and inflammation that may cause thread veins.
Sometimes varicose veins develop alongside thread veins. The difference between the two being varicose veins are stretched out veins where blood has pooled, and they tend to protrude from the legs. Main cause being the valve not working correctly and directing blood in the opposite direction. Thread veins also do get worse with time and visiting a skilled specialists office like Dr. Newmans Clinic will help in determining the best treatment in case of either of these.
Modern technology has made the treatment of thread veins much easier and relatively painless. Popular treatments are:
Laser therapy This procedure involves directing strong bursts of light onto the vein destroying them and leading to their eventual disappearance.
Sclerotherapy in this procedure, a solution (chemical or salt water) is injected into the thread vein causing them to harden and disappear over time.
Once you suspect the appearance of thread veins, your next best cause of action is to contact a medical specialist who specializes in vein-related conditions and treatments like Dr. Newmans Clinic. Here you will receive the best in treatment and care to ensure the best possible outcome.