If you have started to see spider veins appearing on your legs, then you may want to know exactly what you can do to stop new and aesthetically unappealing veins from cropping up. While there are some things you can do, there is misinformation out there about the appearance of the veins. This means that you make some mistakes when trying to prevent them. Keep reading to learn about some spider vein prevention myths so you know what you should be doing to minimize the veins.
Myth - Diet Can Reduce The Appearance Of The Veins
There is quite a bit of evidence that shows that varicose veins can be prevented by following a healthy diet. While it may seem like the same can be said of preventing spider veins, varicose veins and spider veins are not the same. Varicose veins appear as the result of poor circulation in the legs and the stretching of the veins. Also, the poor function of the valves in the blood vessels can contribute to the pooling of the blood and the appearance of the vein disorder. If you follow a poor diet, then this can lead to the accumulation of plaque and even more vein stretching and blood pooling. More varicose veins are likely to develop as a result.
Spider veins are completely different from varicose veins. They develop as the veins in the legs dilate and collect with blood. The veins are smaller ones that are located close to the surface of the skin. The veins do not protrude or appear swollen like the varicose veins. They instead create a more web-like appearance across the skin's surface.
One of the main differences of the spider veins, outside of their appearance, is the cause of them. The veins are influenced mainly by hereditary genes and hormone changes. This means that diet cannot really be used to prevent the veins. However, you may be able to slow their progress a bit by reducing the number of phytoestrogens that you consume. An increase of estrogen in your body can cause the vein dilation, and certain foods contain compounds that act similar to estrogen when eaten. Soy beans and tofu contain a good deal of these compounds, so try to avoid these foods or minimize them in your diet.
Myth - Compression Stockings Can Help
Varicose veins can often be reduced and prevented with the use of compression stockings. The garments place pressure on the legs and the blood vessels and this directly reduces the swelling and blood pooling that causes the veins to appear visible. However, this same sort of pressure does not help with spider vein prevention. If you feel some discomfort from your spider veins, then the compression stocking can assist with this by assisting with circulation.
While compression stockings may not help, this does not mean that you should leave your legs alone completely. One thing that you should put on your legs is sunscreen. Vein wall damage may be a hereditary or hormonal issue, but sun damage can exacerbate the problem and cause even more dilation problems.
Wear sunscreen whenever your legs are exposed and choose a high SPF to offer the most protection. Broad spectrum sunscreens are also a good choice. When using the sunscreen, make sure to reapply often too. Reapplication every few hours, especially when you are exposing your body to direct sunlight is best.
If you are unhappy with your spider veins, then speak with a physician who offers spider vein services or treatments. Treatments that involve the removal of the veins or the collapsing of the vessels is something that can make the veins disappear for good.
