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Spider veins are similar to, but are not, varicose veins, which are large,
bulging rope-like flesh colored, dark purple or blue blood vessels.
Varicose veins can appear almost anywhere on the legs, from the groin down to
the ankles.
How Common Are Leg Veins?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
as many as 55 percent of American women and 45 percent of American men develop spider
or varicose veins at some point in their lives.
Spider veins appear to run in families, and thus may have a hereditary component.
That may explain why studies have found that identical twins often develop similar
patterns of spider veins on the same areas of the body.
Are There Different Types of Spider Veins?
Spider veins tend to take one of three different shapes.
The "classic" type of spider vein has several vessels radiating out from a
central point, thus resembling the arachnid after which it is named.
Spider veins can also take the shape of tree branches, or sometimes simply
appear as single, narrow linear veins, dubbed "thread lines."
Are They Painful or Dangerous?
Spider veins usually do not hurt. Nor do they necessitate medical care,
although many people seek cosmetic procedures for them.
Varicose veins can be painful, however, and often require treatment to
prevent potentially serious health problems, including blood clots.
Should I See a Doctor?
The decision is up to you. Since spider veins rarely cause pain, swelling,
or any other unpleasant symptoms, they do not require treatment. Although
not medically necessary, leg veins tend to be aesthetically bothersome for
many individuals and in these cases, can be removed for cosmetic purposes.
It is important to understand that if you have any of the aforementioned
symptoms accompanying your spider veins, you should see a doctor. You may
have varicose veins or some other underlying condition that requires treatment.
How Are Spider Veins on the Legs Treated?
Several methods are used to successfully and permanently remove spider
veins from the legs. These include sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and
intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. All of these treatments use some kind
of agent or heat source to collapse and ultimately destroy the veins.
Many factors will determine which of these procedures is right for you.
It is best to consult a physician to learn about of your various options.
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