Health Care

By Joseph Devine

Spider Veins

Spider veins and varicose veins have a nasty habit of developing over time. Spider veins occur when the veins in the body become enlarged and look red, blue, or purple in color. These veins are usually found on the legs and face, but can be found all over the body. These enlarged veins are common in men and women and usually increase with age.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are damaged veins that have been stretched and twisted when there is too much pressure put on the veins. Once damaged, the blood that used to flow freely through the veins is trapped, causing swelling of the vein. This swelling is what can be seen on the surface of the skin.

Causes of Spider Veins and Varicose Veins:

• Pregnancy - Along with the stretching of the skin during pregnancy, veins are stretched to accommodate the new baby. This stretching can cause the veins to enlarge because of the pressure put on them from the pregnancy. Sometimes the veins will disappear after the baby is born, but this is not always the case.
• Standing and Sitting - Standing and sitting for an extensive amount of time can increase the appearance of spider and varicose veins. Taking a break from sitting or standing for long periods of time helps to reduce the pressure on the veins.
• Genetics - Many women experience spider or varicose veins because their mother or other female relatives have spider or varicose veins.
• Low Fiber Diet - Some scientists have linked low fiber diets with the development of varicose veins. When the body lacks fiber, the colon becomes heavy and puts pressure on veins throughout the body.
• Weak Veins - Weak vein walls cause the veins to stretch. These veins are then damaged to the point where they can no longer function properly.

The good news is that these damaged veins can be treated to reduce their appearance on the surface of the skin.