TREATMENT
OF UNSIGHTLY OR UNCOMFORTABLE VEINS (Continued)
The
cause of vein problems is not known, except that in many cases they seem
to run in families. Surface veins occur in both men and women, but much
more frequently in women. The hormone oestrogen may play a role in their
development, because puberty, birth control pills or pregnancy often seem
to bring them on. During pregnancy the enlarged uterus may restrict blood
flow contributing to their development. They may also occur after a blow
to a certain area of the body or as a result of wearing tight girdles or
hosiery held up by tight bands. In addition, these veins may occur in association
with underlying deep venous incompetence.
Activities
which increase intra-abdominal pressure, and therefore pressure on the
major veins, probably increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins.
For example, weight lifting whilst standing, or repetitive rapid stair
climbing may worsen varicose veins.
When
they occur on the face, spider veins may be related to chronic sun exposure,
and exposure to extremes of temperature. They tend to occur on either
the nose or the cheeks of fair skinned persons. These facial veins can
be injected if large enough to accommodate the tiny needle used.
Otherwise
they are treatable by laser or radiosurgical coagulation. The treatment
is effected by causing localised clotting of the blood in the facial vein
which, of course, leaves the appearance of the vein darker than before,
and bruised for several weeks. Mostly this amenable to covering with make
up.
There
is no proven method of prevention for venous disease. Wearing support
stockings may prevent some dilated blood vessels from developing in
some people. Maintaining a normal weight and regular exercise may
also be helpful. Avoid wearing high heeled shoes as these affect the
proper functioning of the larger veins, and avoid prolonged standing.
[Continued] [Previous]
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