5 Factors that Fuel Spider Veins

Pretty much everyone gets at least a few spider veins throughout a lifetime, and in most cases, they don’t cause any symptoms beyond their unattractive appearance. But if you have certain risk factors, you can develop dozens of these tiny, purplish veins, along with pain, limb heaviness, and other problems.

We can treat spider veins but ideally, it’s a good idea to do all you can to prevent those veins from forming in the first place. Knowing your risk factors is an important step toward keeping spider veins at bay.

In this post, Ken Jesser, MD, and the team at Vein Specialists Institute in Palm Desert and La Quinta, California, review five common risk factors for spider veins that you can control with just a few simple lifestyle changes.

1. Spending lots of time sitting or standing

Standing for long periods puts extra pressure on the veins in your legs and feet which can lead to vessel damage and spider veins. Sitting for prolonged periods also increases pressure inside your veins by slowing down your overall circulation. Incorporating daily exercise, like a brisk walk, and taking frequent breaks to move around at work can help. 

2. Being overweight

If you’re carrying extra pounds, that added weight puts additional pressure on your veins, too, especially the veins in your lower legs and feet. Over time, that pressure weakens the vein walls, leading to both spider veins and varicose veins. Losing weight reduces the pressure on your veins and contributes to overall circulatory health, too.

3. Sun damage

Sure, warm sun might feel great on your skin. But too much sun weakens your skin and the tiny veins that supply it with blood, making it more likely you develop spider veins. 

Excess sun exposure often affects the tiny veins on your face, a part of your body that tends to get the most sunlight. Using sunscreen, avoiding outdoor activities during midday hours, and wearing protective clothing can decrease this risk.

4. Smoking

Smoking fills your lungs with chemical-laden smoke, and those chemicals are absorbed directly into your bloodstream. 

While most people understand that smoking can damage lung tissue, they may not realize the habit also takes a devastating toll on their blood vessels. If you smoke, vessel damage increases your risks of spider veins and varicose veins, too.

5. Some medications

Medications containing estrogen can also increase your risk of developing spider veins. That includes hormone replacement therapy and hormonal birth control methods. 

If you use these products, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits with your doctor to determine if you need to change your dosage or your medication. 

Banish unsightly spider veins

Our team is skilled in multiple spider vein treatment treatments, including injection therapy, lasers, and light-based techniques to eliminate unattractive spider veins on your body, hands, feet, and even your face. 

To learn how we can help you get rid of your spider veins, request an appointment online or over the phone with Vein Specialists Institute in Palm Desert and La Quinta, California, today.