SPIDER VEINS
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are tiny prominent blood vessels seen on the skin of legs. These are 0.5-1mm in size. Veins 1-3mm in size are called reticular veins. These veins occur in patches. Usually they do not cause any problems. Sometimes these veins can bleed, cause pain and irritation.

What investigations are done?
If you have too many spider veins doctor may do sonography of veins

What are the reasons for seeking treatment?
1. Bleeding from spider veins.
2. Pain and irritation
3. Itching
4. For cosmetic reasons if they are prominent

What is done for treatment?
Treatment is called “Sclerotherapy”. It is done on OPD basis. Doctor can give injections into these veins. They veins will swell up after treatment and then collapse over few days and then disappear.

What are the side effects of treatment?
The common side effect is pigmentation along the treated veins. This will fade away with creams most of the times.