Fed up of living with painful varicose veins? Want to eliminate unsightly spider veins 

Varicose and spider veins

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Often a side effect of getting older, varicose veins are swollen veins that usually appear purple or dark blue in appearance. They most commonly affect the legs and can be unsightly to look at and deeply uncomfortable to live with. Although a common condition, if you suffer with varicose veins they will only improve with treatment. The older you get, the more prevalent they become.

Varicose veins develop because blood isn’t flowing properly through the veins in the legs. Symptoms can include changes in skin colour, restless legs, night time leg cramps, an aching or heaviness in the legs or swollen ankles and feet. Women are more prone to suffering with varicose veins than men.

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Spider veins are also known as surface veins. Although not usually as painful and uncomfortable as varicose veins, they can be just as unattractive in appearance. Made up of clusters of tiny blood vessels, they are red, purple or blue in appearance and are most commonly found on the face and legs. They look like a spider web, hence the name.

Spider veins and varicose veins are very common, especially in people over the age of 50. Often, these abnormal veins cause no symptoms, but they can sometimes trigger swelling, throbbing, and restless legs. In some cases, they may become painful or cause skin sores or blood clots

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what causes spider and varicose veins, however age, obesity, pregnancy, as well as prolonged sitting and standing, and a family history, are contributing factors.

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Treatment for spider and varicose veins

The good news is varicose veins and spider veins don’t have to be the bane of your existence. Here at the WA Skin and Vein Clinic, several different treatment options are available to treat both skin conditions. We start with a comprehensive consultation, followed by an ultrasound. We will then be able to talk you through the options and your recommended treatment.

Treatment will depend on a number of factors and there are various options available to treat varicose veins, which are:

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Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a special chemical into the spider or varicose vein, which inflames the lining of the vein and causes it to close up. The procedure is a less invasive option compared to surgery, and although it does need to be done under local anaesthetic, there is no need for hospitalisation. It’s likely that two or three sessions will be required to treat your veins successfully.

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy

This type of treatment is safe and effective. There is no surgical scarring and again, no need for hospitalisation. We use an ultrasound to locate any abnormal veins, then safely inject a sclerosant foam directly into the veins. This type of technique works best when treating spider veins and small varicose veins.