To eliminate spider veins on the legs, treatment with creams or medicine in the form of tablets, sclerotherapy, laser therapy, thermocoagulation and surgery to remove the spider veins, known as microphlebectomy, may be indicated.
These spider veins are small red or purple blood vessels that appear on the surface of the skin, which can form a kind of spider web, and generally do not cause serious health problems or symptoms. Understand better what spider veins are and their causes.
In case of spider veins on the leg, it is recommended to consult an angiologist, especially in case of symptoms such as pain or a burning sensation in the area, for an evaluation and to initiate the most appropriate treatment.
Top 7 Treatment Options
The main options for eliminating spider veins on the legs are:
1. Creams
Here are some examples of creams recommended for treating spider veins on the legs:
- Sesderma Angioses Gel tired legs;
- Sesderma Resveraderm Plus Capsules;
- Venex Tired Legs Gel;
- Cirkuven Tired Legs Cream;
- Martiderm, Legvass Emulsion;
- Antistax refreshing gel;
- Allestax. Ointment with red vine leaf extract;
- Akileine Draining Gel for heavy legs.
These creams are normally used to relieve pain and discomfort in the legs caused by spider veins, especially in milder cases.
To use this type of product, apply directly to the legs, with a gentle massage, until it is absorbed into the skin. The best time to use is at the end of the day, after showering, applying immediately before bed.
It can also be useful to rest with your legs higher than the rest of your body and, to do this, you can place a pillow under your legs or place a 10 cm high wedge at the foot of the bed.
2. Medicines
The most recommended remedies to help eliminate spider veins on the legs include:
- Asiatic spark;
- Morugem Extract;
- Garlic capsules;
- Horse chestnut;
- Gilbardeira extract;
- Ginkgo biloba;
- Antistax;
- Frileg;
- Martiderm Legvass in capsules;
- Almiflon;
- EasySlim Duo Rapid in Ampoules;
- Inné’s Circuvein.
These herbal remedies can be purchased at health food stores and some pharmacies, but should only be used under the guidance of a doctor, especially if you are pregnant.
3. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy, popularly called “varicose vein application”, consists of applying an irritating substance directly to the spider veins, causing them to close and disappear.
It is common to feel some pain during sclerotherapy, and an anesthetic balm can be used on the skin about 30 minutes before applications to alleviate discomfort.
After sclerotherapy, it is usually recommended to wear compression stockings, which should only be removed when bathing and sleeping, for a few weeks. Furthermore, it is normal for the application area to be sore and slightly stained, especially in the first few days. Understand better what sclerotherapy is and how it is done.
4. Laser
Laser treatment consists of applying a laser to the spider veins on the leg, causing the heat to cause them to close. Normally, it is indicated when the spider veins are superficial and thin or in case of allergies to substances used in sclerotherapy, for example.
The laser for spider veins on the legs is a quick procedure, lasting around 20 to 30 minutes per session and guarantees good results. After the laser, it is important to avoid exposure to the sun and use sunscreen to prevent the treated area from becoming stained. Check out how laser sclerotherapy is performed.
5. Pulsed light
Pulsed light treatment is similar to laser and is sometimes indicated to eliminate spider veins on the legs, especially those known as telangiectasias, and angiomas, which is a type of cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the skin. Find out how pulsed light treatment is carried out.
6. Thermocoagulation
Thermocoagulation consists of applying heat to the veins in the leg using a needle, damaging the vessel wall and causing it to close.
After treatment, it is common for the skin to become red and/or small bruises to appear, which usually improve within 3 weeks. In addition, mild pain may also appear in the area where the treatment was carried out, which disappears after a few days.
7. Surgery
Surgery to eliminate spider veins on the leg, also known as microphlebectomy, is performed using local anesthesia in a doctor’s office and involves removing the spider veins using a needle through small cuts in the skin.
The small cuts that are made during surgery do not require stitches to be closed and, over time, normally heal, leaving barely visible scars.
How to avoid new spider veins on your legs
To prevent the appearance of new spider veins on the legs after treatment, it is recommended:
- Don’t sit for too long or stand for too long;
- Avoid standing cross-legged;
- Take walks regularly;
- Have a healthy eating.
This care is important because it keeps blood and lymphatic circulation functioning properly.
Bibliography
- ORTEGA, Miguel A. et al. Understanding Chronic Venous Disease: A Critical Overview of Its Pathophysiology and Medical Management. J Clin Med. Vol.10, n.15. 3239, 2021
- NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE. Microphlebectomy. Disponível em: <https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/treatments/microphlebectomy>. Acesso em 27 jun 2023
- ENGIN, Mesut. Update on treatment methods for telangiectasia. Phlebolymphology. Vol.29, n.3. 81-132, 2022
- STATPEARLS. Varicose Veins. 2022. Disponível em: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470194/#:~:text=Varicose%20veins%20are%20characterized%20by,history%20considered%20important%20risk%20factors>. Acesso em 27 jun 2023
- WHITELEY, Mark S. Current Best Practice in the Management of Varicose Veins. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Vol.15. 567-583, 2022
- SMITH, Philip C. Management of reticular veins and telangiectases. Phlebology. Vol.30, n.2. 46-52, 2015
- NAKANO, Luis C. et al. Treatment for telangiectasias and reticular veins. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Vol.10, n.10. CD012723, 2021
- LANOSI, Gabriel; et al. Comparative study in leg telangiectasias treatment with Nd:YAG laser and sclerotherapy. Exp Ther Med. 17. 2; 1106–1112, 2019
