Have you ever seen someone with twisted veins under the skin surface that seem red, green or blue? Those are called varicose veins. Some may appear swollen such that they appear raised above the dermis. They are mostly seen on the nose, thighs, and calves and inner surfaces of the legs.
For pregnant women, you can find them around the lower belly or on the buttocks. Spider veins appear like little tree branches under the skin, especially in the face and legs.
What causes spider veins?
The major cause of spider veins is damaged or weak valves in the veins. When the heart pumps blood with oxygen to the body nutrients are spread across the whole body via the arteries. The blood going back to the heart passes through the veins. These veins have in built one way flaps to prevent blood from going backwards especially in the legs.
If they are damaged or weak, the blood goes back to the vein and causes the spider veins. If this happens for a while, it causes a block that then becomes varicose.
Some conditions and factors can lead to varicose and spider veins. These include:
1. Aging – The body loses strength with age hence, the elderly people are more at risk because of their weak veins.
2. Pregnancy – Normally a pregnant woman gets a sudden increase of blood flowing in her body, this causes the veins to increase in size. The growing fetus also exerts pressure on the mother’s veins and this can cause spider veins.
3. Medical history – Some people are born with weak valves in their veins. Most victims of this disorder have a family member who ha passed it down to them.
4. Obesity – Being overweight has many disadvantages since it puts extra pressure on the muscles and veins. This leads to spider veins formation.
5. Lack of sufficient movement – Staying in one position for long causes the veins to strain while pumping blood. This is seen mostly when you squat for long or if you sit with your legs bent or crossed tight.
When should you honor that date with the doctor?
Spider veins are rarely life threatening but sometimes you may need to go to hospital to have them removed. The following are signs that you require spider vein removal:
1. Sore skin – This may be because of the pressure and it will take time to heal.
2. Redness and tenderness – If it is red and it feels warm to the touch, it could be getting an infection so see a doctor.
3. Bleeding – If the vein raptures and bleeds you need medical attention.
4. The skin on the ankle and calf thickens and changes color – This could be because no fresh blood running towards there.