Thread veins, also known as spider veins, are tiny dilated veins that can cause embarrassment or a loss of confidence in the sufferer. While thread veins are mostly harmless, they affect your appearance, so you may wish to find a suitable treatment to help reduce them. Here, we take a look at what causes thread veins and how they can be treated.
What are thread veins?
Thread veins are tiny dilated veins that are close to the surface of the skin. They are usually blue or red and can look like a spider’s web. They commonly appear on the legs and face and mostly affect those aged over 50. If you have thread veins, you may notice aching, itching, swelling or throbbing around the affected area. They may also be very sensitive to touch, or bleed.
What causes thread veins?
Thread veins are normally caused when blood vessels widen close to the surface of the ski. This may be related to hormone changes, injury or ageing.
How can thread veins be treated?
Use a barrier cream
A barrier cream can help to reduce the appearance of thread veins by forming a barrier over the skin around the affected area. This protects the skin from external aggressors which can inhibit the damaged veins. Furthermore, a barrier cream can provide structural support to the damaged veins.
IPL treatment
Intense pulse light therapy uses wavelengths of light to treat thread veins. IPL will also boost the appearance of the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting a youthful look and plump skin.
Apply sun cream
As the skin around thread veins tends to be thinner, especially on the face, using an SPF before being exposed to the sun will protect your skin from further damage.
Image: istock.com/STEFANOLUNARDI
