Are you bothered by those small, purple, twisted blood vessels that are visible under the skin? They are called telangiectasia or, more commonly, spider veins. Thankfully, most cases of spider veins are completely harmless, however many people wish to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons. Occasionally spider veins can cause itching, pain, and discomfort. Here are some effective methods of eliminating your spider veins once and for all.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many uses when it comes to health and beauty, and reducing spider veins is one of them. It is believed that apple cider vinegar can improve blood circulation and reduce the appearance of spider veins. Apply apple cider vinegar to the affected areas using a cloth or compress soaked in the liquid for about 10 minutes a day. Like most home remedies, this one has limited studies, but anecdotal evidence shows that it works over time.
Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy is another remedy you can try at home to target your spider veins. There are devices on the market that use different wavelengths of light to improve the appearance of skin. Many of these devices target people looking to reduce wrinkles and acne scars, but they are believed to help with spider veins as well.
Professional Treatments
For stubborn spider veins that won’t budge, you may need the help of a professional. Professional treatments for spider veins include sclerotherapy, a technique in which fluid is injected into the blood vessels to push the blood out, and laser treatment, which uses bursts of strong light to make the veins fade and disappear. Both methods are considered generally safe and effective, however, your care provider can advise you on the best approach for you.
Prevention
It’s a lot easier to prevent spider veins than it is to get rid of existing ones, therefore prevention is key if you are prone to them. Some things you can do to prevent spider veins include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing compression socks, and avoiding long periods of sitting. All of these things can help reduce the amount of blood that pools in your limbs and result in this condition.
While spider veins are usually cosmetic in nature, they can sometimes be a sign of a more serious health issue. If you are noticing a sudden increase in new spider veins, talk to your doctor to rule out any cardiovascular issues.
Even if your spider veins are purely cosmetic, there is nothing wrong with exploring all of the different treatment options from home remedies to professional techniques to help reduce their appearance.
