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Q:
Are fair-skinned people more prone to spider veins?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Ardmore,
PA
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Yes, but perhaps only because the veins are more easily visible through their skin. Women, too, are slightly more likely than men to develop spider veins.
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Q:
Do spider veins have a purpose?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Ardmore,
PA
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No. They are not necessary to the functioning of your circulatory system. That’s why removing them poses no harm. In fact, these veins are malfunctioning and may be safely treated.
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Q:
Can pregnant women undergo spider vein removal?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Ardmore,
PA
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Pregnancy can cause spider veins to develop in susceptible women. It’s best, however, to wait until after the pregnancy is over to have the veins treated—in part, because the veins sometimes fade away on their own once the baby is born. You should also wait until you’ve finished breastfeeding.
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Q:
Do spider veins hurt?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Ardmore,
PA
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No. But varicose veins often do. If you have any veins that are causing you pain or discomfort, you should see your doctor. Untreated, varicose veins can lead to medical complications, including blood clots and ulcers.
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Q:
Why doesn’t insurance cover spider vein removal?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Ardmore,
PA
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Spider veins are not medically problematic. Therefore, their treatment is not considered medically necessary—and is not covered by any insurance policies. Insurance companies may, however, cover the treatment of varicose veins. That’s because untreated varicose veins can lead to several serious health problems. If spider veins are located near varicose veins, their removal may sometimes be covered as part of the overall procedure.
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Q:
How do hormonal factors contribute to the development of spider veins?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Ardmore,
PA
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The hormones estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate during a woman’s monthly cycle and to a much greater extent during pregnancy, appear to soften the valves and walls of veins. This leaves the veins more susceptible to becoming engorged. Some women may be more prone to this hormonal effect than others.
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Q:
Can an injury cause spider veins to form?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Ardmore,
PA
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Yes. A physical injury can cause bruising, which is, essentially, broken blood vessels under the skin. If your body reacts to the injury with an inflammatory response, the blood vessels may enlarge. Although the bruising may heal, the veins may remain weakened—a factor that may later lead to the formation of spider veins on that area of the body.
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Q:
Can spider veins return after treatment?
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Eric F.
Bernstein
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M.D.
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Ardmore,
PA
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No. The veins you had treated won’t return. Over time, however, you may form new veins near the very same spot. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding prolonged standing, wearing compression stockings, and other self-help measures can sometimes—but not always—help prevent their formation. Talk with your doctor about what you can do.
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