Spider Veins

1. What are Spider Veins?Spider veins or thread veins are red and purple blood vessels that occur in patches on the legs and face. They look like small spider webs, which is how they get their name. Spider and varicose veins are not the same condition. Varicose veins are large, swollen veins usually affecting the legs, whereas spider veins are delicate and tend to develop in clusters

2. Why do I got spider veins?Spider veins can be isolated or associated with ‘feeder’ veins or venous reflux due to leaky valves. Women develop spider veins nearly four times as frequently as men. About 70 per cent of adult women are afflicted with spider veins at some time in their lives. Spider veins appear to be hormonally induced and often are associated with pregnancy and use of the oral contraceptive pill.

3. Do spider veins need to be treated?
Spider veins do not usually pose any major health problems. However, they may cause aching and discomfort especially when associated with underlying varicose veins. In rare cases, they may be a result of serious liver or other intra-abdominal problems.


Many women do find spider veins unsightly and prefer to have them treated.

4. Is there any treatment for my spider veins?
a) Sclerotherapy involves the use of a very fine needle to inject a solution (sclerosant) directly into the affected vein. The solution causes the lining of the vein to swell and eventually seals off the diseased blood vessel.

Each vein may require several injections and most disappear in two weeks to two months. Following each treatment, we suggest the wearing of medium support tights for approximately two to three weeks.


b) Transcutaneous Radiofrequency This is a treatment for the tiny spider veins at the very surface of skin. The principle is based on the use of a very high frequency wave (4 million Hertz), which causes a thermocoagulation to the spider veins, with subsequent disappearance of the veins.


Reference information: http://veno.com.hk
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.