What are Thread Veins?
They tend to branch and give a spidery sort of pattern hence their common name. Thread veins are completely harmless. Thread veins can be more visibly ageing than lines and wrinkles, leading many people to take action to remove them. These are very common, especially in people in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Almost all women will experience thread veins at some point in their life and they are usually associated with underlying vein problems.
What Causes Thread Veins?
A number of factors contribute to the appearance of thread veins on your skin, but they are all related fundamentally to placing pressure on capillaries and finer veins, resulting in damage or expansion. These factors include:
Genetic inheritance
Ageing
Sedentary lifestyle
Leg injuries
Sun-damage
Obesity
Alcohol
Smoking
Hormonal changes
Thread Vein Symptoms
You may have thread veins if you see or feel any of the following conditions:
An uncomfortable feeling of heaviness in your legs
Swelling
Rash
Throbbing, cramping, or aching
Itching around the veins
These symptoms often worsen after prolonged sitting or standing. You may also develop a brown discoloration of the skin and skin ulcers.
How To Prevent Thread Veins
There are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting thread veins. These can also help you ease your discomfort from the ones you already have:
Wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing that constricts your legs.
Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time.
Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods.
Wear SPF 30 (Sun Protection Factor) lotion to protect your skin.
Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength and circulation.
Avoid crossing your legs for long times when sitting. You may injure your legs that way.
Lift your legs when resting as much as possible.
Don’t stand or sit for long periods of time.
Treatment for Thread Veins
Although there are a variety of treatments to remove or reduce your thread veins, it is recommended you consult an expert practitioner who will advise you of the best option for your individual case.
Laser Therapy
The most effective proven treatment for thread veins is laser therapy, which removes unwanted veins using brief pulses of laser light. The laser works safely and only on the thread veins, leaving your surrounding skin unharmed. You may experience some bruising or swelling after treatment, but this should end within 72 hours. You can have this treatment on most areas of your face, neck and legs. There is often a visible reduction in unwanted veins by as much as 75 per cent with one to three treatments and the results are permanent.
Find out more about the laser therapy treatment for your legs or face. Contact Amwaj Polyclinic to book your appointment today!