Varicose And Spider Veins

Varicose veins are blood vessels or capillaries that have become swollen because of blood that has accumulated over time. They appear as "protruding lines" on the outer portion of the epidermal layer (skin) and resemble cords that are contorted and protuberant. Some are colored blue and some are bluish-purple. They occur mostly on the posterior or back portion of the thighs or calves and on the inner portion of the legs.

Spider veins are somewhat like varicose veins. The main difference between the two is their size as spider veins are smaller. Spider veins also appear nearer to the exterior part of the skin and are usually blue or red. They resemble spider webs, hence the name, and are located on the actual face and legs.

Symptoms, causes, and threat factors
Varicose veins are triggered by the leakage of blood back again into the veins, which are supposed to carry or transport blood from the different parts of the body to the vessels of the heart. The leakage is, in turn, triggered by the weakening of the one-way ducts that are supposed to secure the upward flow of the blood. This weakening is referred to as "venous insufficiency". Additionally, spider veins are also triggered by the reversed flow of the blood.

The onset of varicose and spider veins is affected by several factors. A few of which are:

• Age -- The tendency to develop varicose veins increases with the advancement in age.
• Genes -- Some people may inherit genes that would cause them to be afflicted with weak veins.
• Hormones -- Hormonal changes may greatly increase the occurrence of varicose veins. These hormonal changes are experienced when a woman attains puberty, becomes pregnant, or undergoes menopause. Medication, particularly contraceptive pills, that contains estrogen and progesterone can also boost up the risks of having varicose veins.
• Pregnancy -- The volume of blood in a woman's body increases greatly during her pregnancy and this can lead to the enlargement of veins. Another phenomenon during pregnancy that plays a vital role is the expansion of the woman's uterus as it adds to the pressure or force on the blood vessels or veins. These veins ordinarily get better three months right after delivery. However, each further pregnancy comes with increasing additional varicose veins. Furthermore, varicose veins commonly known as "hemorrhoids" can occur in the anal area or along the vaginal area during pregnancy.
• Other factors that can impair vein ducts or valves are serious leg injuries, weight problems such as obesity, and prolonged standing.
• Sun exposure
• Skin tone -- Fair-skinned people are more prone to spider veins.

Varicose veins are not really dangerous to one's health but they more often than not become worse and lead to health conditions that range from serious to uncomfortable. A few of these actual conditions are:

• Extreme cases of venous insufficiency, which is a significant accumulation of blood within the veins that impedes the passage of blood towards the heart. This medical condition is serious because it may trigger blood clots that may travel from the veins in the thighs or legs to other vital organs such as the lungs and heart and might prevent these organs from functioning properly.
• Skin ulcers or skin sores are some of the serious conditions as these may be seen in the region around the varicose veins.
• Persistent and continuous irritation, inflammation, and aching rashes are some of the uncomfortable situations that the varicose veins may trigger.

Treatment and Prevention

To avert the above-mentioned health conditions and the unattractive sight of varicose together with spider veins, early detection and prevention are advisable. The symptoms of varicose veins can include pain, swelling, heavy, numbness, legs that get tired easily, skin darkening, and an itchy skin irritation in the thighs or legs. Before or at the onset of these symptoms, the following measures should be taken to prevent the appearance of varicose and spider veins:

• Keep an exercise regimen that is focused on improving legs and vessel strength and circulation. The regimen may include cycling, walking, or jogging.
• Impose and maintain a diet that is high on fiber but low on salt. The fiber will prevent constipation that, along with other factors, plays a role in the occurrence of varicose veins. Meanwhile, consuming less salt makes the body retain less water and diminishes swelling.
• Watch your actual weight. The greater you weigh, the greater pressure you put on your calves and legs.
• Avoid functionally crossing your actual legs because this encumbers proper circulation.
• Keep your legs at an elevated position when sleeping or resting.
• Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged stretches of time.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes that impede the blood flow on your groin, legs, or waist.
• Try to use stockings with elastic support.
   
  Wear safe sunscreen.

These measures do not guarantee the non-occurrence of varicose and spider veins as some cannot be prevented. But, these measures can decrease the risks or chances of acquiring new varicose and spider veins. They can also help with the discomfort that you feel with already existing varicose veins.