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Spider veins are small veins in the skin that have become dilated. Almost 50% of women will have these to some degree. There is almost always a “feeder” vein that causes these skin venules to dilate. Spider veins may also be associated with saphenous insufficiency. Pregnancy, hormonal changes, and heredity factors all play a part.
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Treatment
Your physician will first look for the source of the spider veins. This may be done with an ultrasound or special light to highlight veins beneath the skin.
There are two modalities used for spider vein treatment. Remember multiple treatments are required for optimal results (3-5).
Laser
Blood has a high affinity for laser light at certain wavelengths. Your physician may chose to use a laser if you have skin type I-IV and have not been tanning. Lasers help to hasten the resolution process and prevent a common occurrence called staining. (Temporary pigmentation changes after sclerotherapy.)
Another laser-based therapy is called intense pulsed light or broad band light. This is more effective for the smaller reddish veins and small veins of the face.
Sclerotherapy
Almost all spider complexes will need sclerotherapy even if a laser is used. Sclerotherapy is the injection of a solution into the vein to cause thrombosis of the vein and eventual resolution. The most common drug used is Sotradecol. Different strengths are used depending on the size of the vein being treated. In most cases, multiple treatments are needed. Side effects are rare with the common one being staining as mentioned before.
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