Spider veins are common skin changes. They are also known as telangiectasia, the condition which features with dilatation of small blood vessels near the surface of the skin or mucous membrane. These blood vessels are not bigger than 1 mm in diameter. Spider veins can affect each and every part of the body. However, they are most commonly found on the face, nose and cheeks. Even chin can be affected. These skin changes also affect legs (particularly the upper thigh as well as the area below the knee joint and the skin around the ankle). In some people spider veins develop as a consequence of developmental abnormalities while in others these skin changes occur due to other medical conditions.
Spider veins generally affect people who are at least 30 years old. Women are more prone to spider veins than men. Spider veins on the face are unsightly changes. The problem can be of huge aesthetic importance if large portions of the face are affected. Fortunately, there are several treatment options which can successfully remove spider veins and there are also methods to prevent their formation in the first place.
Causes of Spider Veins on Face
One cause of spider veins on the face is elevated level of the female hormone estrogen. Pregnant women are particularly prone to spider veins on the face due to significant hormonal changes during pregnancy. Even intake of birth control pills may initiate the process of spider veins formation.
Furthermore, spider veins on the face may develop due to exposure to sunlight or cold. These skin changes are also associated with obesity and lack of exercise. Even smoking and excessive intake of alcohol may include spider veins on the face. And finally, some believe that exposure to certain environmental pollutants or polluted air may cause spider veins.
Treatment for Spider Veins on Face
There are many treatment modalities for spider veins on the face. The actual success of the treatment depends on the type of therapy and the extent of the problem. The best thing is to prevent spider veins but if they eventually occur they can be treated with creams, sclerotherapy and spider veins laser treatment. Creams against spider veins coagulate the blood in the skin changes and they need to be used for at least few weeks before any sign of improvement can be noticed. In sclerotherapy spider veins are injected a chemical which can seal shut the dilated blood vessel. Side effects of sclerotherapy are swelling and bruising. This treatment provides with best results in patients suffering from large spider veins. And finally, in spider vein laser treatment the effects are achieved with intense pulses of light generated by a laser. The treated vein actually disappears. Spider vein laser treatment is the most efficient way to get rid of these unsightly skin changes.
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