TREATMENT
OF UNSIGHTLY OR UNCOMFORTABLE VEINS
Dilated
blood vessels, also called varicose or spider veins, have a red or blue
or purple colour and appear on the surface of the body, particularly the
legs. On the face and upper body their character is slightly different to
those on the lower body, as are their causes. These vessels can be unsightly
and can produce a dull aching of the legs after prolonged standing.
They
may be visible as short unconnected lines each about the size of a large
hair, or they may be connected in a scraggly, sunburst pattern, or they
may resemble a spider web, or a tree with branches. In some people, they
occur in a small area and are not particularly noticeable. In others they
may cover a large area of skin and be quite disfiguring and painful.
Larger
dilated blood vessels may be serpentine and raised above the skin surface.
These large veins are also called reticular veins or varicose veins, and
frequently occur in association with a poorly working valve in a main
superficial vein. They often occur in association with spider veins.
A
characteristic of dilated blood vessels in many sufferers is pain,
ranging from a dull throbbing pain to a burning sensation, especially
with prolonged standing. Though dilated blood vessels do carry blood,(often
the flow is in the wrong direction) a great majority, especially spider
veins, are not necessary to the circulation. Thus, if their presence
is distressing, they can be treated by injection of a solution that
will cause them to disappear, or at least become much smaller. The
chance for a greatly improved level of comfort and appearance is excellent,
particularly if the doctor is experienced in their treatment. Even
very large veins can be treated by injection sclerotherapy, avoiding
the need for surgery in some cases.
[Continued]
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