Varicose and spider veins are damaged veins. We develop them when tiny, one-way valves inside the veins weaken. In healthy veins, these valves push blood in one direction — back to our heart. When these valves weaken, some blood flows backward and accumulates in the vein. Extra blood in the vein puts pressure on the walls of the vein.
Some people have a higher risk of developing these veins. If blood relatives have them, you have a higher risk. Many people get them because they sit or stand for long periods most days of the week. These veins also become more common with age and during pregnancy.
According to AAD the following ways can help reduce these vein issues:
Compression stockings: These stockings apply steady pressure to help move the blood back to your heart. The steady pressure also lessens swelling in your lower legs and reduces the risk of getting a blood clot. You’ll still have visible leg veins, though.
Sclerotherapy: This is the most common treatment for leg veins. Over the years, dermatologists have improved sclerotherapy to make it safer and give patients better results. Today, dermatologists use it to treat spider and small varicose veins.
Laser treatments: Dermatologists use lasers to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. During laser treatment, your dermatologist directs the laser light at the vein
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA): EVLT and RFA are newer treatments. They often replace the need to surgically remove a vein.
References
American Academy of Dermatology, “Dermatologists have a leg up on newer minimally invasive treatments for leg veins.” News release issued July 31, 2013.
Moul DK, Housman L, et al. “Endovenous laser ablation of the great and short saphenous veins with a 1320-nm neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser:” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70:326-31.
Nijsten T and van den Bos RR, et al. “Minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of saphenous varicose veins.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;60:110-9.
Weiss RA and Dover JS. “Leg vein management: Sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy, and laser surgery.” In: Kaminer MS, Dover JS, et al. Atlas of Cosmetic Surgery (1st edition). WB Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 2002: 407-32.
Weiss RA and Weiss MA.“Treatment for varicose and telangiectatic leg veins.” In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine (seventh edition). McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008: 2349-56.
Yiannakopoulou E. “Safety concerns for sclerotherapy of telangiectases, reticular, and varicose veins. Pharmacology. 2016;98:62–9.