Thread veins, also known as ‘spider veins’, are thin, prominent veins that are visible below the surface of the skin. They most commonly appear on the legs, feet, face or hands, and are considerably smaller than varicose veins. However, they are no less deserving of proper assessment and treatment
Similarly to varicose veins, spider (thread) veins are caused by failing valves that allow blood to flow in the wrong direction and pool in the veins. Spider veins appear as tiny webs beneath the skin, coloured red, blue or purple
The venous valves may be damaged or weakened for a number of reasons, including genetics, diet or a lack of exercise. Other common risk factors include age, exposure to cold weather, or pregnancy
While spider veins are sometimes dismissed as merely a cosmetic issue, spider veins on the legs can be symptomatic, and cause irritation, itching or even burning sensations if left untreated. Some people dislike the appearance of these veins, which can lead to lowered self-image.
While there’s no guaranteed way of preventing thread veins from appearing, there are a few simple actions you can take to reduce your risk or to stop them from worsening. These include maintaining an active lifestyle, wearing compression stockings, and not crossing your legs while sitting
While these practises can help reduce the spread of spider veins, it's not possible to reverse their development once they’ve formed, without some form of treatment
You can learn more about spider vein prevention by reading this blog article
Spider veins in the legs or feet are best treated with a combination of Veinwave and Micro Sclerotherapy. Both procedures are virtually painless, minimally invasive and deliver excellent results
Veinwave treatment, which is also known as ‘Thermavein’, is a form of thermal coagulation where a precisely targeted source of heat is used to seal, collapse and gently remove the damaged veins. In comparison to other heat-based therapies, such as laser treatments, Veinwave is proven to deliver better outcomes and is safer, as it is not associated with skin discolouration or damage
Microsclerotherapy is a similarly gentle technique. Here, unhealthy veins are permanently removed through the injection of a saline solution, which makes the vein wall collapse to stop blood flowing through it. The body will then naturally reabsorb the collapsed vein
If you have spider / thread veins anywhere on your body, the first step on your treatment journey is to talk to one of our vascular specialists at the UK Vein Clinic. Our specialists will assess your thread veins and give you the best advice for next steps
Appointments can be arranged in either our London Harley Street or Manchester Pall Mall clinics, both easily accessible from nearby cities and towns
Unfortunately not. You may see some alternative remedies claiming to naturally stop spider veins from developing, or to remove them altogether. These may include such things as apple cider vinegar, red wine, olive oil, witch hazel, vitamin C, coconut oil and more
None of these remedies are backed by any scientific evidence and any indication of success is purely anecdotal. If you’re unsure about any claim you happen to come across, our specialists are happy to discuss your treatment options in more detail
According to current medical evidence, no creams can remove spider veins. Some creams or ointments, such as retinoid creams, may temporarily relieve the itchiness or pain that your spider veins may be causing, but this does not mean that your condition is effectively being treated or will improve
While possible in theory, this isn’t recommended. Tattoos can increase the risk of infection and/or ulceration. These in turn can lead to further medical complications
Without proper medical assessment and treatment, damaged veins (both thread veins and varicose veins) will not disappear. Leaving these damaged veins untreated will generally lead to them spreading and worsening
While you can have your first consultation with us at any stage during pregnancy, we recommend waiting until after the birth to undertake the actual treatment
Take our two-minute diagnostic test to see if you could benefit from varicose vein treatment
Take the quizWe're pleased to be able to provide our world-class spider vein treatment in a variety of places throughout the United Kingdom. Learn more about your treatment options, including Microsclerotherapy and Veinwave treatment, at the clinic closest to you
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