Telangiectasias or spider veins: what they are, how they are treated and how to prevent them
The telangiectasias, better known as spider veins or just like "Spiderlings" Not only can they affect the aesthetics of the legs but also the health. Today we will tell you in detail everything you need to know about them.
Although men are not exempt, "spider mites" - like varicose veins - occur mostly in women. These thin red or violet lines are the consequence of a venous insufficiency that affects the smaller blood vessels, also called capillaries.
They are formed in the most superficial layers of the skin and only generate an aesthetic problem since in most cases they are asymptomatic.
They appear on the legs, although it is also very common and common to arise in other equally exposed areas of the skin, such as the case of the face.
In a low proportion there are cases of much evolution where, as in the case of very old people, the telangiectasias stand out and are "pre-bleeding", that is, they can bleed when faced with a simple scratching.
Treatments for telangiectasias
To determine the most appropriate treatment, we must consult a specialist or phlebologist who must take into account the degree of evolution of the disease, a history of other related diseases and the skin type of the patient. The duration of treatment may vary, taking into account the extent and quantity of telangiectasias.
Although the variety of treatments is increasing, the most common are chemical sclerosis (through the use of a liquid sclerosing substance) and sclerosis by physical methods (performed with laser or intense pulsed light). It should be noted that these are minimally invasive treatments.
The chemical sclerosis therapy It is a treatment in which chemicals are injected that are responsible for closing the veins affected by telangiectasia. It is a treatment that in the vast majority of cases does not present discomfort to patients, without preventing them from carrying out their usual activities and that -in addition- does not present adverse reactions or leave permanent skin spots. The chemical sclerosis therapy is carried out through weekly sessions of approximately 15 minutes, and can be extended between 6 and 8 weeks.
Treatment with intense pulsed light or LPI is useful for both telangiectasias and large deep varices. The main quality of this therapy is that eliminate "spider mites" without affecting the healthy tissue that surrounds them. This is achieved through selective photothermolysis, which is the ability to detect and act only on the tissues that contain hemoglobin, in this way, the cells that are around remain intact eliminating only blood vessels and damaged capillaries.
A third alternative very in vogue is sequential sclerosis combined that through laser technology (are physical sclerosis techniques that use heat) applied in combination with a sclerosing chemical foam. Like the other treatments, it is done with outpatient sessions, and does not require rest, only apply compression to the treated area for 48 hours.
How to prevent telangiectasias and varicose veins
There are some tips that can be very useful when it comes to preventing the appearance of telangiectasias or spider veins and also varicose veins:
- Avoid sedentary lifestyle
- Use broad footwear, avoiding platforms, studs over 4 centimeters) and shoes with very narrow toes.
- Do not wear tight mid-leggings or slacks in the lower abdomen
- Wear elastic stockings with compression adjustment
- Control overweight and flaccidity
- Take vitamins C and A
- Do not take oral contraceptives.
- Rest the legs elevating them
- Perform physical activity periodically
- Eat a balanced diet and reduce salt intake.
- Avoid excessive heat (sun exposure, underfloor heating, very hot baths and waxing)
- Make an early consultation with the phlebologist when beginning to detect telangiectasias or small varicose veins.