You Might Be Overlooking Spider Veins in These 5 Body Areas

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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One sunny morning, Rashi was excited to wear her new summer dress, her father’s birthday gift. When she saw herself in her short summer dress, the moment was unexpected and disappointing. No, there was no fitting or fabric issue with the dress. A network of reddish lines on her thigh surprised her, and she thought, “Were those always there?” 

They were spider veins, common, harmless for most and treatable. She had no discomfort or pain, and nobody in her family had ever experienced it. But she was afraid whether these strange markings  were serious. 

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are a mild form of varicose veins. Also known as telangiectasias, spider veins are small, damaged blood vessels that appear close to the skin’s surface. They are also known as thread veins, Venus veins, stellate veins, sunburst veins, and hyphen webs. In 1807, Von Graf described the Greek word telangiectasia, which means telos (end), angeion (vessel), and ekstasis (dilatation). They are generally red, blue, or purple lines. The legs and face are the most prominently affected areas. 

Why Do Spider Veins Appear?

The veins carry blood back to your heart, fighting against gravity in certain body parts. When valves in the veins weaken or fail, blood can pool, causing veins to enlarge and twist. Several factors contribute to the formation of spider veins, such as genetics, age, hormonal changes, obesity, sun damage, and prolonged standing or sitting. 

When Rashi consulted a doctor, she agreed that her teaching job requires her to stand for long, continuous hours. Spider veins sneak into life without warning. Rashi reframed the condition in her mind as “nature’s tattoo on her thigh.”

The Legs: The Prime Real Estate for Spider Veins

Legs are, for good reason, the most common site of spider veins in the human body. The veins in the legs work hard to push blood back to the heart against gravity. These efforts multiply while we stand because of the pressure of body weight and daily strain. Women are more likely to get spider veins on their legs during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and hormonal changes.

The Face: Pop Up On Your Cheeks

While spider veins on the legs are commonly discussed, also found on the face. Cheeks, nose, and chin are the most prominently affected body parts. Exposure to UV rays, skin trauma like aggressive face scrubs, or Rosacea (a skin condition) can lead to facial redness and visible veins.

Rashi felt blessed that her face was safe from these red and blue lines. She is trying various home remedies for spider veins to prevent them from getting on her face or other body parts.

The Chest: Uncommon and Lesser-Known Area

Spider veins can appear on the upper torso and chest, especially in women. Ageing skin with a thinning dermis, breast surgery, and sun damage from tanning are a few reasons for developing spider veins on the chest. Fair-skinned people often see them around the collarbone and upper breast area. As Rashi was also fair-skinned, she was very concerned about her spider veins treatment.

Wide Visibility: Hands and Arms

With age, spider veins can appear on your forearms, hands, and upper arms. Genetic predisposition, thinning skin, repeated trauma, weight loss, or prominent veins are the common reasons. Normal veins on the arms and hands are sometimes mistaken for spider veins due to reduced fat or collagen.

The Abdomen: Rare But Possible

Differences in blood pressure, damaged veins, and disruptions in blood circulation can make an individual prone to spider veins on the abdomen. Visual blemishes may cause discomfort and mild pain. If your spider veins are accompanied by issues such as noticeable swelling, pelvic pain, bleeding, or a burning sensation, it might be a sign of a more serious problem that needs to be addressed.

The Feet: Often Forgotten

As our feet bear our weight throughout the day, constant pressure and limited circulation cause spider veins on the feet. Additionally, prolonged standing, tight shoes, and high heels may also cause reddish or bluish spider veins. They generally appear near the ankles or tops of the feet. 

Rashi also saw a network of blue lines on her left foot. She was worried about the medical expenses of the treatment of spider veins. Her friend guided her to buy a comprehensive health insurance policy. She might wait for 2 years for her pre-existing medical condition, but afterwards, her pre- and post-hospitalisation and other treatment. 

Treatment of Spider Veins

Telangiectasias are often a cosmetic concern, and treatments primarily focus on improving their appearance. Several therapies and spider vein treatments can help reverse the condition. Some of the modern approaches are mentioned below.

• Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into the vein that makes it collapse and fade.
• Laser therapy: Targets the pigment in the vein, sealing it off.
• Radiofrequency ablation: Uses heat to close off veins.
• Topical creams: Mostly for facial veins, with modest results.
• Self-Care: Engage in regular exercise, including walking for 30 minutes, and take a break every half an hour. Avoid soaking in hot baths for long periods if you see spider veins.

Home Remedies for Spider Veins

Spider veins are a common byproduct of the ageing process. The red and blue lines cause cosmetic concern. Rashi has been undergoing counselling sessions to overcome the emotional impact of spider veins. If you know someone like Rashi, you can suggest to them the following home remedies for spider veins.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apply apple cider vinegar directly to your skin as it reduces blood circulation. Hence, reducing the reddish or bluish veins on your skin.
• Massage: Massage can relieve pain and stimulate healthy blood circulation. However, it is important to consider that only a licensed therapist treats spider veins.
• Diet: Include foods high in fibre, antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Herbal supplements: Ginkgo biloba, bilberry, and horse chestnut oral doses and external application of witch hazel are helpful.
• Essential oils: Geranium, cypress, yarrow, lavender, and tea tree.

Wrapping It Up!

Consider spider veins not just as a skin issue but as your body's whispering clues about circulation, lifestyle, and pressure points. Most people can expect an improvement in the web-like network of red/blue lines. Some people confuse spider veins with varicose veins, but the primary distinction lies in their size. The former are small and thin, while the latter are larger and bulging. Spider veins resemble tree branches, while varicose veins are twisted and rope-like. Varicose veins have a higher risk of clots and wounds, while spider veins have a lower risk. If you are experiencing issues like Rashi, don’t delay your consultation with a vein specialist. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.