Spider veins (medical name telangiectasia) are dilated intradermal capillaries. In configuration they can be point, linear, tree-like, cobweb-like, reddish or blue in color. It's hard not to notice them because they spoil our appearance. Spider veins most often appear on the face - this disease is called rosacea (most often on the wings of the nose), and also on the legs.
Spider veins on the face are only a cosmetic problem, while spider veins on the legs can accompany varicose veins of the lower extremities. Therefore, if you find spider veins on your legs, you should definitely contact a phlebologist.
Causes of spider vein formation
The occurrence of spider veins can be caused by various reasons. It may be caused by problems of the capillaries themselves (their congenital predisposition to expansion and weakness of connective tissue), or may be a consequence of the expansion of the saphenous veins that feed the capillaries. In this case, the capillaries cannot cope with the increased pressure, and a spider vein forms.
Spider veins occur more often in women. This is due to hormonal disorders that can be caused by pregnancy, abortion, hormonal contraceptives, menopause, fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
The following also contribute to an increased risk of spider veins:
- liver dysfunction;
- endocrine diseases;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- sauna abuse;
- alcohol consumption;
- smoking.
Associated symptoms
The venous network does not pose a threat to human life, but it does not change its appearance in the best way. When pressing on the walls of blood vessels, pain occurs in the damaged areas, redness and itching. The appearance of external symptoms of the mesh is preceded by pain and fatigue in the legs in the late afternoon. Patients often experience leg cramps at night. Further on, a convex mesh of reddish or bluish color is formed, rising above the skin surface. If you press it with the phalanx of your finger, it turns pale, but quickly restores its color.
Treatment of spider veins in Moscow
Only pinpoint spider veins can disappear on their own. Ointments, creams and other external remedies do not help remove spider veins.
The only way to get rid of a spider vein is to remove it. You can remove spider veins at JSC “Family Doctor”.
Before removing a spider vein, as a rule, an ultrasound examination (Dopplerography) of the vessels of the lower extremities is prescribed. This is done to identify varicose veins of the saphenous veins, a sign of which may be spider veins. If varicose veins are detected, then the dilated veins are first removed, and only then the capillaries that form the spider vein. Otherwise, the spider vein will appear in this place again.
Methods that can be used to remove spider veins are:
- radio wave surgery,
- laser photocoagulation method,
- sclerotherapy.
Phlebologists at Family Doctor recommend sclerotherapy. This method is the leading and most effective for the treatment of spider veins of the lower extremities. A course of sclerotherapy ensures complete and traceless disappearance of spider veins within 1-2.5 months.
Drug treatment
Ascorutin helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels
The early stage of development of rosacea with small foci makes it possible to overcome it with the help of medications. Most often used in therapy:
- venotonics that strengthen vascular walls: Troxevasin, Phlebodia, Venoruton;
- anti-inflammatory drugs that eliminate hyperemia and discomfort: Lyoton, Indomethacin.
Relieves the symptoms of rosacea by strengthening the walls of blood vessels Ascorutin. It is used in the form of tablets or ointment, which is applied topically. The tablets are ground to a powder and mixed with baby cream. The resulting mixture is applied daily to the affected areas.
What are spider veins (webs)?
Cosmetic defect (telangiectasia). Expanded blue or red stripes and veins appear on the legs, which form an intricate pattern. They are persistent and do not disappear. These are small vessels (veins) in the superficial layers of the skin on the legs that persistently dilate and become visible. Most often, the vascular pattern or pattern has a mesh, web-like or star-shaped shape. Hence the name of the star, mesh or cobweb. There are other configurations: linear, tree and point.
Modern methods of treating varicose veins
Modern diagnostic methods and a wide range of hardware make it possible to treat leg meshes at any stage of the disease. At the same time, the methods are low-traumatic and highly effective. The most popular ways to get rid of unattractive venous networks are:
- Sclerotherapy is the introduction of a special substance that glues the walls of the wreath and blocks the blood flow through them. Subsequently, they will simply dissolve in the tissue fibers;
- Removal of mesh with a laser - exposure of the veins to a special laser device, which “cauterizes” the veins on the legs. The procedure may require multiple sessions and certain requirements before and after surgery.
You can find out which method is best to treat asterisks, what additional therapy to use and what preventive measures need to be followed on our website. You can ask your phlebologist using a special contact form.
It's all due to hormones
One of the main factors provoking the development of spider veins is a hormonal imbalance in the body.
Restructuring of the endocrine system occurs in the following conditions:
- pregnancy;
- menopause;
- uterine fibroids;
- ovarian cyst;
- abortion and others.
Pregnant women complain about the appearance of vascular “spiders” in the face, legs and abdomen precisely in the last stages of pregnancy. This is due to increased stress on weakened blood vessels. They stretch under the influence of pressure inside themselves and protrude above the surface of the skin.
Telangiectasia often affects the skin after taking birth control pills or installing a hormonal IUD. That is why the selection of contraceptives should be carried out by a gynecologist based on the results of the examination. If a woman notices scarlet stars on her chest, then this is a reason to contact a mammologist or oncologist. Breast cancer at an early stage can manifest itself with these symptoms.
Disease prevention
Preventive measures to prevent spider veins include:
- therapeutic vitamin therapy;
- restriction of visits to baths, saunas;
- restriction of wearing high-heeled shoes;
- regulation of physical activity, refusal to lift heavy objects;
- increased walking;
- healthy lifestyle;
- swimming, contrast shower for feet.
It is very important to monitor your weight; under no circumstances should you overeat or consume a lot of salt. It is also necessary to observe the drinking regime - drink 1.5 - 2 liters of plain still water per day.
You can get more detailed information about the types of treatment and the rehabilitation period by scheduling a consultation with a phlebologist by phone or online.
Sclerotherapy (microsclerotherapy)
We perform the procedure on an outpatient basis without hospitalization, without incisions and without pain. Duration about an hour. Minimum restrictions. Treat the skin at the injection site with an antiseptic (alcohol wipe). A special liquid or foamed preparation – sclerosant – is injected into the dilated visible saphenous vein and the feeding branches that make up the defect through a thin needle (insulin syringe). It causes adhesion, gluing and sclerosis of the vein walls. Due to these effects, we turn off damaged vessels from the bloodstream. The Veinlite device allows us to visualize the veins well.
For sclerotherapy, we use the best products Fibro-Vayne or Athoxysklerol.
If there are a large number of stars, additional injections may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
Next, we apply special gauze pads to the areas of sclerosant injection and put on compression stockings for 3-4 days. Compression therapy allows you to reduce venous pressure and accelerate the necessary initial gluing of the walls of the asterisk vessels. The level and duration of compression pressure is determined individually.
After sclerotherapy, the rehabilitation period is short. As a rule, there is no need to take sick leave. You will be pleasantly surprised when you see how quickly there is no trace left of the star. In the long term, an excellent, lasting aesthetic effect is preserved. It is very important to follow all our recommendations after the procedure. Our professionalism, concentration and experience will allow you to be confident in the results. Grateful reviews from our patients confirm that we are on the right track. We will do everything to make you satisfied.
Diagnosis of the disease
Diagnosis of the disease at the center for non-invasive surgery and phlebology GMS Clinic includes:
- examination by a doctor - vascular surgeon, phlebologist;
- detailed analysis of anamnestic data of life and illness;
- performing ultrasound of blood vessels;
- consultation with a highly specialized specialist - cardiologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist (if necessary);
- additional diagnostic methods - laboratory blood tests.
After a comprehensive examination, the doctor confirms the diagnosis and prescribes the necessary treatment.
Why you need to act immediately
Telangiectasia may be the first symptom of a serious vascular disease, the onset of an oncological process, or simply occur as a result of increased physical work or failure to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, you should not put off going to the doctor. It is necessary to conduct a timely examination by specialists, do examinations, differentiate the disease and make a diagnosis.
If you do not pay attention to spider veins, you can miss the occurrence of more serious diseases of the venous system and aggravate their course. After which it will no longer be possible to correct the situation using microsurgical technologies.
It is also worth noting that self-medication, warming and applying bandages with folk remedies is not worth it, as this can enlarge the area of spider veins, change their shape and increase their number.
How is the laser removal procedure for spider veins and spider veins performed?
The procedure for laser removal of telangiectasia occurs according to the traditional algorithm:
- Skin cleansing and makeup removal;
- Application anesthesia (optional), achieved by uniformly distributing lidocaine spray or Emla cream over the skin surface and then covering it with a film for 15-20 minutes;
- Setting up equipment to suit individual needs and tasks;
- Application of a conductor gel to the skin, optimizing the penetration of light energy into the tissue;
- Laser treatment with selected attachment.
The key condition for fixing and prolonging the result is the advisory support of a doctor. Remember that if you are prone to telangiectasias, they may appear again (in the same or a different place) if you ignore the recommendations for skin care and lifestyle, or the doctor does not instruct you on this topic.
The main advantage of laser removal of blood vessels is the guaranteed onset of effect even with extensive lesions. Trust your doctor in choosing the tactics and sequence to combat the defect, and your expectations will be met.
Exercises
We have selected for you the simplest and most effective options for physical activity that will ensure sufficient blood circulation in the legs, relieve tension, relax muscles and help prevent the formation of asterisks.
- Standing. We walk in place without lifting the tips of our toes from the floor (up to 2 minutes)
- Standing. As you inhale, raise your arms up to your sides. At the same time, stand on your toes. As you exhale, lower your heels. Bend your knees slightly. Put your hands down. At the same time, stand on your toes. As you exhale, lower yourself onto your heels. Bend your knees slightly. Lower your arms (up to 10 times)
- Standing. Take one leg back. Stay in this position for a few seconds. Repeat with the other leg too. (up to 10 times)
- Jumping rope (up to 10 minutes).
- Sitting. Legs stand together. Raise one leg towards your chest. Hands hold your knee. Return to the starting position. Alternately with the right and left foot. (up to 10 times on each leg).
- Sitting or lying down. Place your legs straight on a stand above the level of sitting or lying down. Relax for 10-20 minutes.
- Lying on your back. Straighten your legs and rotate them in the same way as you would when riding a bicycle.
- Use only your feet and toes to pick up small objects on the floor.
- Sitting. Place your legs at 90 degrees. Slowly raise your heels as high as possible without lifting your toes off the floor. Perform the exercise for both legs and separately for each (10 times)
- Sitting on a chair. Straighten your legs. Rest on your heels. Stretch your toes towards you. Initial position. (up to 10 times).
- Sitting or lying down. Alternately bend and straighten your toes (up to 10 times).
- Sitting or lying down. Lift your heels off the floor and cross your straightened legs (up to 10 times).
- Lying on your back. Raise your straightened legs perpendicular to the floor. Take turns bending and straightening your knees (up to 10 times)
- Lying on your back. Press your shoulders and elbows to the floor. Using your palms to keep your hips raised, rotate your shins. Don't lift your feet off the floor.
- Lying on your back. Straighten your legs. Pull the toe towards you. Then from myself. Alternately with each leg. (up to 10 times)
Laser
This technique uses laser radiation of a special frequency. The laser beam allows you to glue, solder and sclerosis the veins that make up the cosmetic defect. It is worth noting that despite its popularity, the technique has obvious disadvantages. The procedure is accompanied by a significant thermal effect on the skin with burning of the entire star pattern, whereas with sclerotherapy the sclerosant is injected and distributed through one injection point. With laser exposure, it is not always possible to close the “feeding veins,” which can lead to the rapid appearance of new subcutaneous patterns.
