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Spider Veins vs Varicose Veins vs Reticular Veins

Published on October 12, 2017

If you thought that wrinkles are the only sign of aging, then you’re in for some bad news. As people age, the body will start to slowly change and deteriorate. Your body is like a machine. When you’re younger, your body works like a well-oiled machine, but as your grow older, you will start to notice that it doesn’t respond the same way to certain activities, and you may develop a few “dints and dings” along the way.

The trick is to not try and fix things when problems arise, but to maintain your body all the time so you can enjoy a healthy and functional body, free from the signs of aging for a much longer period of time.

Recognizing The Signs Of Aging

The best way to combat the signs of aging is by learning to recognize them as they start to appear. That way, you can take the necessary measures to prevent further signs and save yourself a lot of trouble later.

Some common cosmetic problems that affect people as they grow older are varicose, spider, and reticular veins. At least one in four people are affected by one of these unsightly blemishes after they cross the age of 40. These conditions are very different from each other and are not dangerous to your health, but they can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Let’s learn more about each of these conditions.

Spider Veins

This condition derives it name from its appearance. It causes the veins in your legs or face to become dilated and appear as though they are closer to the skin’s surface. They look like tree branches or spider webs, hence the name. Typically, the veins appear blue or red in color. They are often found clustered together.

Spider veins can develop in any part of your body, but they are often seen in people’s faces and legs. They can be rather unsightly, but treatment is simple, effective, and safe.

Varicose Veins

Out of the three conditions mentioned above, most people have heard of varicose veins. This conditions causes the blood vessels in your legs to become swollen and raised, pushing them closer to the surface of the skin.

They appear to twist and turn and are often red or bluish-purple in color. Varicose veins can be very uncomfortable and painful. In serious cases of varicose veins, the blood vessels can rupture and cause excessive bleeding. Ulcers are also common.

Reticular Veins

These veins are smaller than varicose veins, but larger than spider veins. They often develop around the back of the legs, ankles, or inner parts of the thighs. This condition can cause the veins to swell and become raised, resulting in discomfort and pain. They form in clusters and are very unpleasant to look at.

Causes Of These Conditions

There are many causes of varicose, spider, and reticular veins. Some of the most common causes are:

• Heredity
• Aging
• Hormonal changes caused by oral contraceptive pills, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or menopause
• Obesity
• Wearing clothes that are too tight
• Standing or sitting for prolonged periods

Contact Our Office

If you’re suffering from any of these conditions, a vein treatment can help. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Raffi Dishakjian, an experienced vein specialist. He can help treat your vein problems and through safe and effective treatment methods.

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