Varicose veins are a common condition caused by weak or damaged vein walls and valves. Varicose veins may form whenever blood pressure increases inside your veins. This can happen because of pregnancy, constipation, a tumor, or overweight and obesity. 

SPIDER VEINS

Spider veins occur when blood pools in veins near the surface of the skin. They can be caused by heredity, obesity, trauma, and fluctuations in hormone levels. In many cases, the exact cause is not known. They tend to become more numerous with age, and are common among people over 30 and in pregnant women. 

 VARICOSE VEINS Vs SPIDER VEINS

VARICOSE veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn. They usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin. SPIDER veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that also twist and turn. Spider veins are easily visible through the skin, as well. 

Spider veins and varicose veins are different forms of a medical condition called venous insufficiency. In the legs, both conditions result from having weakened or damaged valves in the veins. However, the two issues have different symptoms. 

Spider veins are usually small, thin lines that may be flat or only slightly raised. They are often blue, red , or purple. Although they can cause some discomfort, they are painless most of the time.  

Varicose veins are larger and deeper than spider veins. They may also appear lumpy or twisted and are usually flesh-colored or red. Depending on their severity, varicose veins can cause a variety of symptoms. These may include. 

• Pain 
• Itching 
• Bleeding 
• Swelling of the legs or ankles 
• An achy or heavy feeling in the legs 

Varicose veins may also increase a person’s risk of blood clots and circulation problems.  

CAUSES OF VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS 

A number of factors predispose a person to varicose veins and spider veins. These include 

• Heredity 
• Occupations that involve a lot of standing, such as nurses, hair stylists, teachers, and factory workers. 
• Obesity 
• Hormonal influences of pregnancy, puberty, and menopause 
• The use of birth control pills 
• Postmenopausal hormonal replacement 
• A history of blood clots 
• Conditions that caused increased pressure in the abdomen, such as tumors, constipation, and externally worn garments like girdles. 

Other reported causes include trauma or injury to the skin, previous vein surgery, and exposure to ultraviolet rays. 

RISK FACTORS FOR VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

Varicose veins and spider veins develop more often in women than in men. They increase in frequency with age. An estimated 30% to 60% of adults have varicose veins and spider veins.  

PREVENTION FROM VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

You can try to prevent varicose and spider veins by taking the following steps: 

• Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, circulation, and vein strength 
• Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your legs 
• Do not cross your legs when sitting and try to elevate your legs when resting 
• Wear compression stockings 
• Do not stand for long periods of time 

A variety of treatment options can help improve the appearance of spider veins and varicose veins or remove them altogether. For medical procedures, it is always essential to consult a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in dermatology, vein care, or cosmetic or plastic surgery. 

OPTIONS IN NATURAL AS REMEDIES

Natural remedies are often the first choice for spider vein sufferers that don’t want to resort to medical treatment to eliminate the vessels. The natural approach is attractive because it does not require a prescription or therapy administered by a physician. Many of these solutions are as close as the neighbourhood grocery store. Some of the most popular natural remedies for spider veins and varicose veins include

• Apple cider vinegar 
• Diet 
• Herbal supplements 
• Essential oils 
• Massage 
• Olive oil 
• Cayenne pepper 
• Garlic 
• Butcher’s broom 
• Witch Hazel 
• Horse chestnut seeds 
• Parsley 

Fortunately, there are a wide range of cost effective home remedies that can decrease the severity of varicose veins and also reduce some of the discomfort they can cause. 

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

Many people who suffer from the discomfort of varicose veins seek out alternative approaches to treat the condition. One method that has gained popularity is massaging the legs with essential oils. Though not necessarily harmful, these oils only provide temporary relief from varicose vein symptoms and should not be used as a substitute for medical care.

Unfortunately, essential oils cannot heal the underlying cause of  varicose and spider veins. which, in most cases, stems from chronic venous insufficiency. This means that the valves in your veins have stopped working properly, and fail to push blood back up to the heart. Blood then pools in the lower extremities, causing the veins to bulge under the skin. Factors leading to those veins range from family history, age, excess weight, and pregnancy. 

Oils typically used for varicose veins include cypress, helichrysum, neroli, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and chamomile. All promise to reduce swelling, ease pain and boost circulation. However, essential oils can neither prevent  nor cure varicose veins.  

Lifestyle changes help prevent the onset of varicose veins and spider veins as well. Exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and wearing compression stockings all contribute to reducing the risk of Varicose and Spider veins.