Boca Raton | Boynton Beach Foot Doctors
Spider veins develop when capillaries just below the surface of the skin become inflamed and begin to pool blood. The result is a pocket of discolored lines that shows clearly through the skin, with a web-like appearance that has earned the vein disease its name.
Spider veins are often confused with varicose veins, but the two are separate medical conditions that require different forms of treatment.
Spider veins are the mildest form of venous insufficiency. This condition can affect blood circulation in any of the body’s extremities, but it’s most common in the legs. The condition is also known as venulectasias or telangiectasia and affects about 30 percent of the adult population, mostly women.
There are a number of factors that increase your risk of developing spider veins, including:
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins do not bulge above the surface of the skin. The discolored veins may appear faint or bold and are generally purple, blue, or red in color.
Physical symptoms are rare, but may include:
If these symptoms develop they will occur in the area surrounding the discolored skin. The symptoms of spider veins often worsen after extended periods of standing or sitting.
While spider veins are a form of venous insufficiency and are often considered an embarrassing condition, they do not require medical treatment. However, many people with spider veins choose to have them removed.
Minimally and non-invasive treatment options are available for the treatment of spider veins in Boca Raton. As a first line of spider vein treatment, Dr. Schoenhaus often recommends a number of lifestyle changes that will enhance vein health.
These lifestyle changes may include:
When these lifestyle changes are not enough, or the condition is severe, vein removal therapies can be used to treat spider veins. These treatment options include laser vein removal or sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy is the use of an FDA-approved soap-like medicine that is used in the vein to damage the vessel and the body breaks it down. A tiny needle is used to enter the vein and after the treatment, the veins get lighter and lighter. Most people require three to five treatments for approximately 80% improvement. After treatment, you can expect bruising for one week and compression therapy is needed for three days. We can measure, fit and dispense compression stockings at the time of service. Feel free to come in for a consultation. All vein work is performed by Dr. Schoenhaus herself with over 15 years of experience. She is a leg vein sclerotherapy instructor and an expert in the field. If you do not want a small needle, laser vein treatments are another option.
For the treatment of unsightly spider veins, a laser can be used. A fine tip laser with a cold tip is used over the spider vein and heat energy is delivered to the vein to damage the vessel. This will then allow the body to break it down and heal. Most people require three to five treatments. For your treatment, we can apply a topical anesthetic and use the ice to help ease any discomfort. Again, all treatments are provided by Dr. Schoenhaus herself, not a tech.
