Physician Treatment of Skin Irregularities
For an appointment with Dr. Sommers please call 636-978-8600
Spider Veins
Common and
treatable
Spider veins are formed by the stretching of the small veins
under the surface of the skin, mostly on the legs. They look like red or purple
sunbursts or web patterns. Spider veins are also referred to as telangiectasia
or broken capillaries. They usually pose no health hazard but may produce a dull
aching or burning in the legs after prolonged standing.
Varicose veins
are swollen or enlarged blood vessels caused by a weakening in the vein's wall
or valves. They are located somewhat deeper than spider veins, are sometimes
raised, and often appear blue. Advanced cases of varicose veins can be harmful
to a patient's health because they may be associated with the development of
ulcers and phlebitis.
Sclerotherapy
is the best and safest treatment for spider veins. It causes minimal
discomfort. A concentrated salt (saline) or specially developed chemical
solution is injected with a very small needle into the spider vein.
Thisirritates the inside of the vein so it closes up. It later collapses
and becomes scar tissue that eventually is absorbed by the
body.
Sclerotherapy generally requires multiple treatment sessions.
Post-treatment therapy includes wearing compression bandages or support hose for
two days to a week if the veins are large enough to warrant it.
Although sclerotherapy works for current spider veins, it does not prevent
future ones from developing.
Spider veins on the
leg
Varicose veins are swollen or enlarged blood vessels caused by a weakening in the vein's wall or valves. They are located somewhat deeper than spider veins, are sometimes raised, and often appear blue. Advanced cases of varicose veins can be harmful to a patient's health because they may be associated with the development of ulcers and phlebitis.
Sclerotherapy is the best and safest treatment for spider veins. It causes minimal discomfort. A concentrated salt (saline) or specially developed chemical solution is injected with a very small needle into the spider vein. Thisirritates the inside of the vein so it closes up. It later collapses and becomes scar tissue that eventually is absorbed by the body.
Sclerotherapy generally requires multiple treatment sessions. Post-treatment therapy includes wearing compression bandages or support hose for two days to a week if the veins are large enough to warrant it. Although sclerotherapy works for current spider veins, it does not prevent future ones from developing.
