What are varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin.

Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins called hemorrhoids can form in the vagina or around the anus.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.

Who usually has varicose veins and spider veins?

Many factors increase a person's chances of developing varicose or spider veins. These include:

• Increasing Age
• Having family members with vein problems or being born with weak vein valves
• Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone also increase the risk of varicose or spider veins
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. A growing number of abnormal veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy
• Obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing and other things that weaken vein valves
• Sun exposure, which can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of a fair-skinned person

Why do varicose veins and spider veins usually appear in the legs?

The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins. Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure. This pressure can be stronger than the veins' one-way valves.

Are varicose veins and spider veins painful or dangerous?

Spider veins usually do not need medical treatment, except for esthetic reasons. But varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time. Severe varicose veins can cause health problems. These include:

• Severe venous insufficiency. This severe pooling of blood in the veins slows the return of blood to the heart. This condition can cause blood clots and severe infections. Blood clots can be very dangerous because they can   move from leg veins and travel to the lungs. Blood clots in the lungs are life-threatening because they can   block the heart and lungs from functioning.
• Sores or skin ulcers can occur on skin tissue around varicose veins.
• Ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs.

What are the signs of varicose veins?

Some common symptoms of varicose veins include:
• Aching pain
• Easily tired legs
• Leg heaviness
• Swelling in the legs
• Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)
• Numbness in the legs
• Itching or irritated rash in the legs

How can I prevent varicose veins and spider veins?

Not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But some things can reduce your chances of getting new varicose and spider veins. These same things can help ease discomfort from the ones you already have:

• Wear Sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and to limit spider veins on the face.
• Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, circulation, and vein strength. Focus on exercises that work your legs, such as walking or running.
• Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your legs.
• Do not cross your legs when sitting.
• Elevate your legs when resting as much as possible.
• Do not stand or sit for long periods of time. If you must stand for a long time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. If you must sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk every 30 minutes.
• Wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing that constricts your waist, groin, or legs.
• Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods. Eating fiber reduces the chances of constipation which can contribute to varicose veins. High fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, like bran. Eating too much salt can cause you to retain water or swell.

Should I see a doctor about varicose veins?

Remember these important questions when deciding whether to see your doctor:

Has the varicose vein become swollen, red, or very tender or warm to the touch?

• If yes, see your doctor.
• If no, are there sores or a rash on the leg or near the ankle with the varicose vein, or do you think there may be   circulation problems in your feet?
• If yes, see your doctor.
• If no, continue to follow the self-care tips above.

How are varicose and spider veins treated?

Besides a physical exam, your doctor can take x-rays or ultrasound pictures of the vein to find the cause and severity of the problem. You may want to speak with a doctor who specializes in vascular diseases or phlebology. At CIAO BELLA we have many years of experience treating all sort of vascular disorders including  the most severe cases of venous insufficiency and have the most modern techniques to treat them in a minimally  invasive manner. Talk to our doctor about what treatment options are best for your condition and lifestyle. Not all cases of varicose veins are the same.