How to Get Rid of Spider Veins Naturally
Spider veins are the red or bluish veins that can appear near the surface of the skin. These small blood vessels look like a spider web in your skin, thus their name. If you have this vein condition, you may wonder how to get rid of spider veins naturally. Here is what you need to know about spider veins.
What Are Spider Veins?
The veins and blood vessels transport blood to all the cells of the body. The heart pumps the blood through the veins, going one direction to the limbs, then returning to the heart and lungs the other direction. Valves in the veins only allow the blood to travel one direction. If they fail, it can cause spider veins.
When there is vein insufficiency, blood can pool backward within the one-way veins. This is what causes the appearance of small spider veins and larger varicose veins. Spider veins are common on the legs and near the groin. Some of the contributors to vein insufficiency include:
- Weight gain or obesity
- Extensive standing or time on your feet
- Pregnancy, menopause, puberty and other hormonal changes
- Genetics
- Age
Anything that causes extra pressure on the veins can cause valve insufficiency and may lead to spider or varicose veins. Women above the age of 50 are at higher risk for these noticeable veins, but all genders and ages can experience spider veins.
Are Spider Veins Dangerous?
Spider veins are a sign of vein insufficiency, but they do not pose the same health risks as varicose veins. For most people, they are not dangerous, but they can be itchy or uncomfortable. The main concern for most people is their appearance, which is why they want to know how to get rid of spider veins naturally.
Lifestyle Changes to Get Rid of Spider Veins
Spider veins can go away without medical treatment. There are lifestyle changes that may help reduce the appearance of these small blood vessels under the skin. Some of the ways you can reduce the risk of spider veins and help them go away naturally include:
- Lose weight. If you are overweight, losing weight with a healthy diet and exercise can help reduce pressure on your veins.
- Alternate between sitting and standing. Try to not sit or stand for long periods. Either can contribute to pooling of blood in your legs, resulting in spider veins.
- Put your feet up. Elevating your feet for 15 minutes a few times a day can help relieve pressure on your veins and reduce spider veins.
- Compression garments. Those who have poor circulation or spider veins may benefit from wearing compression socks or garments.
- Improve circulation. Exercising regularly and eating spicy foods can help improve your circulation, which can help reduce spider veins.
- Avoid high heels. High-heeled shoes, especially over 3 cm, can increase the risk of spider veins in your legs.
Making a few lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of spider veins. These changes may also help remove existing spider veins, but there are other options on how to get rid of spider veins naturally.
Natural Home Remedies for Spider Veins
There are some natural home remedies that may be helpful to reduce the appearance of spider veins. While these may not work for everyone, it may be worthwhile to try these natural treatments to get relief.
- Massage. Try massaging the area with spider veins for a few minutes one or more times a day. This can improve circulation and may reduce itching and other discomfort.
- Herbal remedies. Horse chestnut, witch hazel, ginger, mustard oil and sesame oil are touted to help with spider veins. Gingko biloba is another herb that may help with spider veins.
- Apple cider vinegar. Consuming apple cider vinegar (ACV) or applying ACV may help reduce the appearance of spider veins.
For some people, natural remedies may help reduce spider veins, but they may not work for everyone. There is a risk that spider veins can become worse and may lead to varicose veins, which increase risks for deep vein thrombosis and other complications.
Should I See a Doctor for Spider Veins?
If you try to get rid of spider veins naturally and it is ineffective, there are treatments to get rid of spider veins. Your doctor may suggest changing medications like birth control that are triggering your spider veins. There are also laser treatments and options like sclerotherapy that can remove spider veins.
Are spider veins dangerous? Not usually, but they can alert you to early signs of vein insufficiency. When you know how to get rid of spider veins naturally, you may not need medical attention. However, if you are concerned about spider or varicose veins, contact your doctor for other treatment options.
The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.