New Horizons in the Treatment of Spider Veins

1. New Horizons in the Treatment of Spider Veins

2. Spider Veins • Small blue or purple veins just beneath the skin • Affect millions of Americans • Typically progressive • Often inherited • Affect ankles, calves, thighs, nose

3. Symptoms • Visual - Small blue or purple veins can be seen just beneath the surface of the skin • Stinging • Itching

4. Causes • Heredity • Excessive body weight • Prolonged standing or sitting • Pregnancy • Hormonal changes • Advancing Age • Injury or trauma to vein • Sun exposure

5. Treatment Options • Conservative Treatment • Sclerotherapy • Laser Treatment / Double-Injury Technique

6. Conservative Treatment • Weight loss • Exercise • Elevation • Compression stockings

7. Compression Stockings • Prevent pooling of blood in veins • Promotes healthy blood flow by compressing veins • Ideally worn during long-periods of standing or sitting • Reduces discomfort and progression • Expensive • Hot • Difficult to put on

8. Sclerotherapy Alone • Most popular treatment • Tiny needles • FDA-approved medication • Irritates lining of vein, causing it to collapse • Two to four 20 minute sessions • Minimal discomfort • Can cause discoloration or staining of skin

9. Laser & Sclerotherapy Treatment“Double-Injury Technique” • By using laser first, vein is damaged, allowing small amount of solution in the vein. • Decreased risk of skin staining • Faster resolution than sclerotherapy alone

10. Recovery Period? • Walking encouraged day of procedure • Return to normal activities next day • Strenuous exercise (running or step aerobics e.g.) after three weeks • Return to work next day

11. Summary • Spider veins cause discomfort and embarrassment • Exercise, weight loss, elevation and compression stockings may alleviate symptoms • Current treatment options have significantly improved over recent years • Laser vein therapy and Sclerotherapy are effective treatment options • Low risk and minimal associated recovery