Cobweb blood vessels

Cobweb vessels are blood vessels that resemble varicose veins, but are smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. These veins are red, purple or blue, which twist and turn, looking like tree branches or cobwebs. These blood vessels are found mostly on the legs or face and can cover small or large areas of the skin.

What causes cobweb blood vessels?

There are many factors that increase the risk of cobweb vessels, including aging, a family history of cobweb vessels, a personal history of blood clots, a history of vascular surgery, or the use of birth control pills.

This condition is more often experienced by women due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause. People whose jobs require long standing, such as sales people, factory workers, nurses, hairdressers, teachers, are also at high risk for developing cobweb veins. Lack of exercise and obesity are also factors of "cobweb" blood vessels.

Signs and symptoms of cobweb blood vessels

The appearance of cobweb-like blood vessels on the skin is the most obvious sign of this condition. In addition, most of these cases are also accompanied by a feeling of discomfort in the legs such as stiffness, cramps, burning, tingling, or heavy loads in the legs especially when standing for long periods of time.

Less common symptoms are swelling, darkening of the skin and ulcers. These symptoms can be worse in women during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

Treatment options for cobweb veins

Support or compression stockings

This is the most telling trick to solve the complaints that come with spider veins. Use a support stocking that is the right size, the uncomfortable symptoms can subside when the stocking puts pressure on the blood vessels. These stockings are available in below the knee, above the knee, and pantyhose styles, and can be purchased over the counter or by prescription.

Sclerotherapy

In this procedure, the doctor will inject a chemical irritant (usually a very high concentration of saline) into the affected blood vessel, causing the blood vessel to spasm and collapse inward. After that, the blood vessels that are sealed can no longer carry blood and become scar tissue, then eventually fade away.

Endovenous laser treatment

A tiny laser fiber will be inserted into the vein. The pulsed laser beam is sent into the vein, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The doctor can also insert a small catheter into a blood vessel and send radiofrequency energy into the vessel wall, causing it to heat up and seal shut.