What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins are common in both men and women. They occur as a result of weakened valves in the veins, which otherwise enable blood flow through the veins. Damaged valves result in the swelling of veins, and these develop into spider veins (2). Some of the most common causes of this condition include:
Aging A family history of spider veins (heredity) Professions that require standing for a long time Contraceptive pills Pregnancy Tight clothing Increased BMI (Obesity) Any prior history of blood clots Constipation
Other than being unsightly to look at, spider veins may also be accompanied by a series of symptoms that can become bothersome in the long run (3).
Symptoms Of Spider Veins
Itching around the affected area Aching legs Unusual restlessness in the legs Ulcers on the skin Rashes around the affected area Veins paining on contact Changes in the skin around the ankles or calves
But aren’t these symptoms similar to that of varicose veins? How are spider veins different? Let’s find out below.
Spider Veins Vs. Varicose Veins
The two most commonly occurring vein conditions are spider veins and varicose veins. Many often get confused between the two types. To help you decide which of the two you are actually suffering from, here are some of major differences between spider veins and varicose veins. The following are the factors that can increase put an individual at a higher risk of developing spider veins.
Who Is At A Risk Of Developing Spider Veins?
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing spider veins. They include:
A family history of spider veins or deep vein thrombosis Obesity Pregnancy Standing or sitting for long periods Tight clothing Smoking Exposure to excessive heat Gender (Women are at a higher risk than men.)
To treat spider veins and their symptoms at the earliest, it is important to get yourself diagnosed first. How is that done?
How To Diagnose Spider Veins
Your doctor may perform a physical examination that involves looking at your legs while you are standing to check for any swelling. You may also need to get an ultrasound test done to check whether your vein valves are functioning normally and if there are any blood clots. Your doctor can also suggest some treatments to improve the appearance of spider veins. They include:
Laser therapy – This targets the wider vessels and seals them. Surgery to remove the widened vessels. Sclerotherapy – It involves injecting a chemical into the inner lining of the blood vessels to cause damage to it.
As spider veins are more of a cosmetic concern than medical, many affected individuals are seen opting for surgery to get rid of their unsightly appearance. However, following some simple and natural remedies, along with a few lifestyle changes, can help deal with this condition without having to go under the knife (4).
Home Remedies To Improve Spider Veins
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
A clean piece of cloth ACV
Do this 2 to 3 times daily. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) improves blood flow in the affected area, thus helping you get rid of spider veins. Due to the acidic nature of ACV, it is recommended to do a patch test on your skin before following this remedy.
2. Witch Hazel
Cotton pads Witch hazel
Repeat this 2 to 3 times daily. Witch hazel is a natural astringent and is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The spider veins shrink and become less visible on the topical application of this oil. Witch hazel contains tannins and volatile oils, both of which can reduce inflammation and heal the inflamed veins (5).
3. Massage Oils
One of the basic and most efficient ways to treat spider veins is by massaging the affected area. Massaging the affected area improves blood flow and diminishes the appearance of spider veins.
a. Castor Oil
Cold compressed castor oil Follow this regimen 2 to 3 times daily. Being anti-inflammatory and stimulating in nature, castor oil improves blood circulation. This property can treat spider veins and reduce their appearance. Use cold compressed castor oil as this is its purest form.
b. Coconut Oil
Cold compressed coconut oil Repeat this daily for best results. Coconut oil is one of the best natural sources of antioxidants. It improves blood flow, thus treating spider veins (6). Cold compressed coconut oil is recommended due to its refined composition.
4. Epsom Salt
2-3 cups of Epsom salt Water
Do this 3 to 4 times a week. Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is well known for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties (7). The magnesium content in this salt helps to treat the inflamed spider veins and reduces their appearance. However, Epsom salt is to be only used externally and should not be ingested.
5. Hot Or Cold Compress
Hot/Cold compress Use according to your symptoms. A hot compress removes clots and promotes blood flow while a cold compress reduces inflammation and minimizes bruising around the spider veins. Elevate your leg while applying a compress. This is to avoid pooling of blood in the affected area.
6. Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract supplement (liquid or capsule form) Take 720 mg of grape seed extract. Consume this supplement daily. The seeds of black or red grapes are rich in bioflavonoids called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) (7). These complexes are known to treat spider veins by promoting the circulation of blood while reducing inflammation.
7. Garlic
6 garlic cloves Rubbing alcohol
Repeat this procedure daily for best results. Garlic is best known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its ability to enhance blood circulation helps in the treatment of spider veins (8). For best results, you can also include garlic in your diet.
8. Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes Bandage
Do this 4 times a day. Green tomatoes enhance blood circulation in the affected areas. The seeds of these tomatoes contain an acidic substance that helps in this regard. This substance acts as a natural anticoagulant, helps improve blood flow, and reduces inflammation. Do not wrap the bandage too tightly around the spider veins.
9. Ginger
1 inch ginger Water
Do this 2 to 3 times a day. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger are due to the presence of a compound called gingerol. These properties make ginger one of the best natural ways to combat spider veins (9). You can also include ginger in your daily diet.
10. Ginkgo Biloba
40 mg ginkgo extract supplements Consume 40 mg of ginkgo extract. Consume this 3 times a day. Ginkgo biloba contains active ingredients that are known to strengthen the tissues of the vein walls. It is also used to improve blood circulation, and can thus be used for treating spider veins as well.
11. Horse Chestnut
Aescin supplement (50mg) Consume 50 mg of aescin supplement on a daily basis. Have this twice daily. Being a flowering plant, horse chestnut contains a component called aescin. This extract strengthens the tissues of the vein walls and reduces inflammation caused by spider veins. It is also involved in the active regeneration of weak or damaged veins (10). You can top this with one of the topical remedies.
12. Japanese Pagoda Tree Extract
Japanese pagoda extract and its supplement You can either take Japanese pagoda tree extract as a supplement or apply it topically. Do this daily. Japanese pagoda extract increases the circulation of blood and strengthens the veins.
13. Lemon Juice And Baking Soda
1-2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda 1 glass of water
Drink 2 to 3 glasses of this mixture daily. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and is often used as a blood purifier. Baking soda is alkaline and is often used for its neutralizing properties (11). A combination of these compounds was found to relieve and treat spider veins. Alternatively, you can apply lemon topically on the affected areas.
14. Oak Bark Tea
Oak bark tea extract Water
Consume one cup of oak bark tea daily. Being rich in many vitamins and minerals, white oak bark tea is quite popular for its healing properties. One of its greatest advantages is its ability to stabilize and strengthen veins. Thus, oak bark tea is used in the treatment of spider veins as well. You can also apply this tea topically with a cloth compress. Once absorbed by the skin, it can relieve symptoms associated with spider veins.
15. Alternative Teas
a. Green Tea
Green tea extract Water
Drink 2 cups of green tea daily. Green tea is one of the best natural antioxidants. This property makes it suitable to treat a variety of ailments, including spider veins. It can reduce inflammation and strengthen the vein walls (11).
b. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea extract Water
Drink chamomile tea daily for best results. Chamomile tea has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat spider veins and their symptoms (12). Chamomile tea can also be soaked in a cloth and wrapped around the spider veins for faster recovery.
c. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel tea extract Water
Drink this tea daily for best results. The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel help in treating the inflamed spider veins (13). Alternatively, witch hazel oil can also be applied topically to relieve symptoms associated with spider veins.
16. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil Do this daily. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Thus, it can be used for treating spider veins and relieving the inflammation and discomfort associated with them. Tea tree oil, when combined with aloe vera, can also moderately treat spider veins.
17. Saline Injections
Saline injections (Sclerotherapy) As suggested by your physician. Saline injections, also referred to as sclerotherapy, have been used for treating spider veins for centuries. Injecting a saline solution into the affected veins results in the damage of the inner vein walls. This leads to inflammation and clotting of blood in the veins, and the spider veins lose their color and diminish in appearance (14). Take these injections only under medical supervision.
18. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 glass of milk
Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of hot milk and consume daily. Drink this daily for best results. Turmeric contains a phytochemical called curcumin, which is rich in antioxidants and imparts anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to it. These properties help treat spider veins and relieve the symptoms. You can also mix turmeric with water and apply it directly to the affected areas.
How To Prevent Spider Veins
Always wear a sunscreen to limit the spider veins on your face. Exercise daily to improve the blood circulation in your legs. Keep a check on your weight. Eat healthily. Foods like fruits, onions, and garlic are rich in flavanoids that reduce blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Do not sit for long durations. Avoid wearing tight clothing. Wear support stockings. Avoid wearing high heels for a long duration. Follow a low-salt, high-fiber diet and consume foods like oats, wheat, flaxseed, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Keep the leg elevated to reduce pressure in the leg veins. Gravity will enable smooth blood flow to the heart. Gently massage the affected area to help blood circulation.
If you follow the above tips and remedies discussed in this post, you will see your spider veins vanish in no time. Can spider veins go away on their own? Check the infographic below to know the most effective and accessible remedies available out there. No, spider veins do not heal without treatment. What can happen if spider veins are not treated? If left untreated, spider veins may start to swell and pain. The symptoms can also become worse if not attended to immediately (15). What happens if you pop a spider vein? Under medical supervision, a spider vein may be popped by a needle. However, if a spider veins pops due to an injury, apply an ice compress to the affected area immediately to avoid further bleeding. Can spider veins cause swollen ankles? If spider veins are present inside the ankle, there is a possibility of a more serious underlying condition. In this case, swelling and inflammation of the ankles are quite common and need to be treated immediately (16). Can you tattoo over spider veins? Tattooing over spider veins is usually done to hide their appearance. However, this increases the risk of vein damage and infection in that area (17). Are compression stockings good for spider veins? Yes, compression stockings are good for spider veins and help relieve the symptoms associated with it. They are especially helpful for those who need to sit for a long time as they promote blood flow (18). Are spider veins permanent? No. Also, while certain spider veins caused by pregnancy or medications may disappear on their own, others may warrant medical intervention. Consult your doctor and understand what the best treatment option for you is. Can I apply itching creams on spider veins? Yes, your doctor will prescribe you creams containing antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching associated with spider veins. Are the treatments for varicose veins and spider veins the same? While varicose veins are deeper and a more serious condition than spider veins, treatments like sclerotherapy and laser therapy are used to treat both conditions. Your doctor will assess the severity of your condition and select the treatment suitable for you. How can I permanently cure spider veins? Natural remedies can provide relief and help manage symptoms. However, if you want to permanently get rid of spider veins, you may need to opt for medical procedures. Treatments like sclerotherapy can improve the appearance of spider veins drastically in just a few sessions. Consult your doctor to understand the right treatment option for you.
