Spider Veins

Introduction

What are spider veins?

Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are clusters of small blood vessels near the surface of the skin, usually on the legs and face. They appear as thin red, blue or purple lines that branch outwards, resembling a spider (R). They can be classified according to their origins. Arterial spider veins are flat, pink or red and less than 1 mm in diameter, while venous spider veins are raised, blue or purple, and often up to 3 mm in diameter (R, R).

Spider veins occur in most patients before the age of 25, and become more common and more severe with age (R, R). In the United States, as much as 41% of women above 50 have spider veins on their legs (R). In Scotland, 88% of women and 79% of men were found to have spider veins in the right leg, though the vast majority were very mild (R). Women are more likely to develop spider veins than men, but men tend to have more serious spider veins (R).

Spider veins have a strong genetic component, as 90% of patients have a family history, and they are a marker for some hereditary disorders (R, R). The risk of being affected by spider veins also increases with obesity, pregnancy, hormonal factors, smoking, exposure to sunlight, and in occupations that involve prolonged sitting or standing (R, R, R, R, R). They are also a symptom of rosacea (R).

Although spider veins rarely cause health problems, they are an important cosmetic concern for many women. Some patients with spider veins also experience pain, burning and itching sensations, cramps and leg fatigue (R).

What causes spider veins?

Why spider veins develop is not fully understood (R). They may arise from varicose veins as a result of weakened or damaged valves in the veins, but only limited evidence has been found to support this theory (R). Another possible explanation is that a lack of oxygen in the local tissues leads to inflammation and the formation of new blood vessels, which causes the small vessels to bulge and branch out (R, R).

How are spider veins measured?

Spider veins can be assessed visually by sight, using an ultrasound or a dermatoscope, and clinically graded on a numeric scale (R, R, R).

Ingredients
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Ascorbic Acid
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Quassia Extract
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Azelaic Acid
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Tretinoin
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Tazarotene
E
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Neocutis PERLE Skin Brightening Cream
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Kinerase
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Imedeen
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Imedeen Time Perfection
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Imedeen Prime Renewal
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