Spider Veins FAQs

Following are the common questions about Spider Veins:

1. Why do spider veins occur on limbs?
2. Do supplements help in improving spider veins?
3. Can spider veins lead to varicose veins?
4. How much does spider veins treatment cost?
5. Are spider veins and stretch marks the same?
6. Do I have to undergo surgery for spider veins?
7. Are spider veins and varicose veins different?
8. Is sclerotherapy treatment effective for spider veins?
9. Can spider veins go away with weight loss?
10. Can spider veins disappear on their own?
11. Can stress advance the chance of spider veins?
12. Are spider veins treatments painful?
13. Are spider veins a sign of poor blood circulation?

Q. Why do spider veins occur on limbs?

A. Spider veins generally occur on the legs due to excessive pressure of the upper body on the legs, which weakens the walls and valves of the veins. Some factors may result in spider veins on the limbs, like the profession of standing and sitting for long periods of time, obesity, or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Q. Do supplements help in improving spider veins?

A. Individuals suffering from pain due to spider veins are usually recommended vitamins B, C, E, and K. These vitamins are proven highly beneficial in spider veins and usually stimulate collagen production in order to enhance the strength of veins and capillaries. In addition, vitamins improve blood circulation and keep the blood from pooling inside the veins. However, it is always advised to consult a vascular specialist before taking any vitamins from over-the-counter, doing so can lead to unknown side effects.

Q. Can spider veins lead to varicose veins?

A. Spider veins cannot shift into varicose veins as both spider veins, and varicose veins are two different vascular conditions. Spider veins are superficial veins and may look thread-like and appear on the skin surface. In comparison, varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and bulgy veins that look purplish in color. The causes and characteristics of both the conditions are similar and closely interconnected to each other. This often leads to confusion among people in understanding both the conditions.

Q. How much does spider veins treatment cost?

A. The average cost of spider veins treatment may range from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 55,000. However, this is an average range that could vary relying upon several factors such as:

• The type of healthcare provider
• The general fees of a surgeon
• The type of technique used for the treatment
• Charges of hospitalization
• The locality of the hospital
• Medication prescribed throughout the treatment
• The diagnostic tests recommended by the doctor

Q. Are spider veins and stretch marks the same?

A. No. Spider veins and stretch marks are entirely different from each other. Stretch marks are thin pink and purple lines that emerge on the surface of the skin due to overstretching of the skin tissues. In comparison, spider veins are referred to as affected veins that look like a web of bluish-purple color underneath the layer of skin.

Q. Do I have to undergo surgery for spider veins?

A. Spider veins can be asymptomatic or may not appear a very serious condition. But, leaving spider veins untreated can lead to severe health issues, and the symptoms can escalate, which may affect the quality of life. Also, in rare cases, if left untreated, spider veins can result in complications such as blood clots, rashes, soreness, or skin infection. Therefore, to prevent such complications, it is always advised to seek a vascular expert’s advice to undergo surgery for spider veins.

Q. Are spider veins and varicose veins different?

A. Yes. Spider veins and varicose veins both are different from each other. However, they both have similar issues that develop due to the impaired functioning of the valves in the veins. However, the causes of spider and varicose veins are almost similar, but the conditions are fairly distinct. Spider veins are small, thread-like, more superficial blood vessels that turn blue in color because of dilation. In comparison, varicose veins are enlarged, purple in color, and twisted veins that lie deeper beneath the surface of the skin. The symptoms of spider veins are usually mild, whereas the symptoms in the case of varicose veins may get intense depending on the severity.

Q. Is sclerotherapy treatment effective for spider veins?

A. It is one of the minimally invasive procedures that cure spider veins. Sclerotherapy is performed with a saline solution injection, which is injected directly into the vein. The success rate of sclerotherapy may range from 60%-80%. However, it is always recommended to consult with an experienced vascular surgeon to undergo sclerotherapy in order to increase the effectiveness of the procedure.

Q. Can spider veins go away with weight loss?

A. Some healthy lifestyle practices like losing weight, regularly exercising, and maintaining a good diet plan can certainly prevent spider veins from developing, progressing or may give you relief from the distress caused by affected veins. However, the existing spider veins will not go away on their own without proper medical assistance. Thus, it is always guided to seek medical treatment if you are suffering from spider veins.

Q. Can spider veins disappear on their own?

A. No. There are very rare cases that spider veins can heal on their own. However, spider veins normally get dilated and can not go back to normal functioning once begun. Spider veins require proper medical attention. If you are suffering from spider veins, visit an experienced vascular specialist to discuss the condition for appropriate treatment methods to get permanent relief. The doctor will diagnose the condition to check the severity and will advise you with the best-suited technique to cure the spider veins.

Q. Can stress advance the chance of spider veins?

A. Yes. Stress and anxiety are often associated with high blood pressure. Prolonged hypertension can lead to weakening the vein valves and walls, which can lead to reflux of blood, resulting in spider veins. In addition, according to the doctors, stress can directly or indirectly contribute to the development of venous disorders that can cause spider veins as well.

Q. Are spider veins treatments painful?

A. No. With the help of the latest and advanced medical technology, surgery for spider veins has become painless. In comparison, the conventional treatments for spider veins can be quite painful and discomforting. Whereas the modern procedure is non-invasive and performed under anesthesia, the surgery to cure spider veins is absolutely painless.

Q. Are spider veins a sign of poor blood circulation?

A. Generally, spider veins develop when blood pools in the superficial veins of the body, and the color of the affected veins may start looking bluish or purplish. Such symptoms can be a sign of poor circulation and weakened walls of veins. In such a situation, one must consult an experienced vascular specialist to prevent further damage to the vascular system.