With summer around the corner, you must be planning for shorter hemlines and slit cuts. However, unusual vein clusters on the legs may hold you back. These spider veins are commonly prevalent in the United States. 

Approximately 41% of women over 50 experience spider veins. Their presence is also common during pregnancy, but getting rid of them is always possible. 

You can revive the confidence and flaunt in your favorite attire. However, knowing the cause behind unusual vein clusters is essential. Let's find out what causes spider veins: 

What are Spider Veins? 

Spider veins are small damaged blood vessels in the skin, also known as thread or telangiectasias veins. They appear as purple, blue, or red tortious lines and form a spider-like appearance. In most cases, spider veins are just a cosmetic concern.

It is because they don't cause any symptoms. However, people with spider veins may also develop painful varicose veins. 

Thankfully, treating these veins is easier. Through a physical exam and medical history, your vein expert evaluates your current vein condition. After this, you receive a treatment plan. You can book an appointment at the Comprehensive Vein Care clinic for spider vein treatment.

The clinic offers innovative vein treatments and has earned a reputable name in vein care. 

What Causes Spider Veins? 

It's not always possible to determine the root cause of spider veins. However, some conditions are commonly linked to these veins. They include: 

Hormonal Changes 

The capillaries dilate due to fluctuations in some hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. As a result, they look more apparent. Apart from this, hormonal imbalance also causes venous reflux. It is a condition in which the blood returns to the veins instead of moving towards the heart.

Most women experience spider veins due to hormonal disturbances during pregnancy.

However, the condition subsides when the hormonal levels return to normal. Likewise, hormonal fluctuations also occur during menopause and puberty. At these stages, the risk of getting spider veins multiplies. 

Genetics

Unfortunately, genetics may increase your risk of developing spider veins. However, it isn't the sole determinant.

Other factors like lifestyle changes, hormonal imbalance, everyday routine, and overall vein health are strong indicators. Address these controllable factors to avoid getting spider veins at any stage of life.

Maintain a balanced weight, avoid standing or sitting for long hours, stay physically active, and consume a healthy diet.  

Injury or Trauma

Dilation in veins can also occur due to injury. It can be a direct injury to the vein or surrounding areas. For instance, injury in the surrounding tissues can cause venous congestion that puts additional pressure on the veins.

It causes the vein walls to become weak, leading to reflux and swollen veins. Not only is this, but veins receive constant pressure if the injury is severe and healing requires good time. Thus, the risk of getting spider veins increases. 

Excessive Sun Exposure 

Another common cause of spider veins is excessive sun exposure. The sun's UV rays directly hit the collagen and elastin responsible for the elasticity of the blood vessels.

When these proteins break, the blood vessels lose elasticity, and the walls become weak. This gives birth to multiple vein conditions, and spider veins are one of them. 

Ironically, many people wish to get a sun tan to hide the exposed veins. However, sun exposure exacerbates the condition, making spider veins more apparent. 

How to Get Rid of Spider Veins?

Today, advanced medical treatments are available for spider veins. These non-invasive procedures require minimal to no downtime and are performed in an outpatient clinic. Some of them include: 

-Sclerotherapy 

-Closure treatment 

-Vena Seal 

-Varithena 

How to Prevent Spider Veins? 

Thankfully, with a few lifestyle changes, preventing spider veins is possible. Here are our few recommendations: 

-Elevate your legs two times a day for 30 minutes each time. 

-Wear compression stockings. 

-Perform calf muscle exercises. 

-Maintain a healthy body weight. 

-Avoid tight clothing. 

Spider veins can also be a warning sign of an underlying condition, though they are usually a cosmetic concern. So be sure to seek medical advice if you notice the appearance of spider veins on any body part. Early detection can protect you from complicated venous diseases.