How to Over Come Unsightly Veins
By the Vteam, Kamau Austin Publisher
Does the fall fashion menu of dress shorts and mini skirts strike fear in your heart because of unsightly veins? Hiding behind long pants and skirts can get terribly boring after a while but it is a way of life for many women with varicose and spider veins.
Causes
-------
Statistics show that approximately 60 percent of all Americans are affected by varicose and spider veins and women are more likely to be affected than men. A variety of causes have been suggested and include:
* Heredity – Did your mother, grandmother or siblings have them?
* Age - Age can be a factor because as the skin ages it
loses its elasticity and is unable to support the veins properly
* Obesity - stresses the entire circulatory system including the veins
* Pregnancy/Menopause – creates hormonal fluctuation and weight gain
* Smoking
* High sodium intake
* Birth control pills and other medications
* Sun exposure
Complications
--------------
There are many instances where varicose veins can lead to complications. Call your doctor if you have:
* Bleeding - Scratching a large varicose vein may cause severe bleeding
* High pressure in the varicose veins may cause them to bleed more than healthy veins.
* Blood clots – Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just
below the surface of the skin, which results from a small blood clot
* Fragile, itchy or scaling skin
* Skin color changes and fungal or bacterial infections.
* Pain when walking or standing
An Ounce of Prevention
-----------------------
While varicose veins may be inevitable for some, it is a great idea to take preventive measures, especially if you are predisposed. Here are some tips on lessening the occurrence:
* Exercise - Walking, swimming, and cycling are
great for the circulation but be sure to check with
your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
* Weight Reduction – Reducing your weight will alleviate the body,
including the veins, of unnecessary and unhealthy stress.
* Healthy Life Choices – High salt intake and smoking can
increase vein pressure and promote the appearance of
varicose and spider veins.
* Proper Footwear - Avoid high heels or any
tight, uncomfortable footwear.
* Restrictive Clothing – Tight underwear, hose, jeans, leggings and
other clothing can restrict the flow of blood throughout the body
creating ripe conditions for the appearance of spider and varicose veins.
* Standing/Sitting - Take breaks if you have to sit or
stand throughout your day.
* Leg Elevation - Elevate your legs whenever you are
lying down or rest your legs on a stool if you're sitting down.
Good News
---------
The good news is that most occurrences of varicose and spider veins are not a serious medical problem. They can, however, limit your fashion choices, create a loss of body confidence and at their worst, contribute to a lack of self-esteem.
What’s a fashion forward woman to do? Here are some of the treatments available.
Surgical Remedies-
Stripping is a lengthy procedure often performed under general anesthesia and requires a surgeon to make incisions in the groin and below the knee and remove the vein with a long, surgical instrument extending inside the leg to the knee. Vein stripping may require a hospital stay and general anesthesia. Risks of vein stripping can include permanent nerve paralysis in a small percentage of patients, pulmonary emboli, infection, and permanent scarring. General anesthesia provides some risks as well.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure where veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. Possible side effects of sclerotherapy can include temporary stinging or red patches, painful cramps at the injection site, spots around the vein and inflammation or lumps of clotted blood.
Laser Surgery – The use of lasers has become commonplace in all areas of surgery today. Laser technology is also being used to treat spider veins. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, discolored skin and a rare occurrence of burns and scars, generally from poorly performed surgery.
Oral Remedies-
A number of herbal remedies are suggested such as pine bark, horse chestnut, violet and even Vitamin C, but one should proceed with caution in their use as with any medication. Natural does not mean harmless particularly when imbibing or ingesting. Use caution in taking mega-doses of vitamins as well. Check with your doctor or consult a homeopathic or naturopathic physician regarding their harmful effects and drug interactions.
Topical Remedies-
Makeup – Concealers and other cover-ups are an option. You will have to experiment to see what works best for you. In some cases, they can be messy or impractical for everyday use (think leaving behind streaks on light furniture—yikes!) but might be useful for a special occasion.
Leg Treatment Creams – There are a number of creams like Veinuderm™ that work directly on the area and may be able to help. Veinuderm™ contains vitamin K which is used in the treatment of bruising or bleeding under the skin and lightening under-eye circles. These creams can take a few days to a few weeks to work so give them some time and use as directed. To find out more about this promising product do a search on better online stores like www.Amazon.com and the BODeStore.com.
Does the fall fashion menu of dress shorts and mini skirts strike fear in your heart because of unsightly veins? Hiding behind long pants and skirts can get terribly boring after a while but it is a way of life for many women with varicose and spider veins.
Causes
-------
Statistics show that approximately 60 percent of all Americans are affected by varicose and spider veins and women are more likely to be affected than men. A variety of causes have been suggested and include:
* Heredity – Did your mother, grandmother or siblings have them?
* Age - Age can be a factor because as the skin ages it
loses its elasticity and is unable to support the veins properly
* Obesity - stresses the entire circulatory system including the veins
* Pregnancy/Menopause – creates hormonal fluctuation and weight gain
* Smoking
* High sodium intake
* Birth control pills and other medications
* Sun exposure
Complications
--------------
There are many instances where varicose veins can lead to complications. Call your doctor if you have:
* Bleeding - Scratching a large varicose vein may cause severe bleeding
* High pressure in the varicose veins may cause them to bleed more than healthy veins.
* Blood clots – Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just
below the surface of the skin, which results from a small blood clot
* Fragile, itchy or scaling skin
* Skin color changes and fungal or bacterial infections.
* Pain when walking or standing
An Ounce of Prevention
-----------------------
While varicose veins may be inevitable for some, it is a great idea to take preventive measures, especially if you are predisposed. Here are some tips on lessening the occurrence:
* Exercise - Walking, swimming, and cycling are
great for the circulation but be sure to check with
your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
* Weight Reduction – Reducing your weight will alleviate the body,
including the veins, of unnecessary and unhealthy stress.
* Healthy Life Choices – High salt intake and smoking can
increase vein pressure and promote the appearance of
varicose and spider veins.
* Proper Footwear - Avoid high heels or any
tight, uncomfortable footwear.
* Restrictive Clothing – Tight underwear, hose, jeans, leggings and
other clothing can restrict the flow of blood throughout the body
creating ripe conditions for the appearance of spider and varicose veins.
* Standing/Sitting - Take breaks if you have to sit or
stand throughout your day.
* Leg Elevation - Elevate your legs whenever you are
lying down or rest your legs on a stool if you're sitting down.
Good News
---------
The good news is that most occurrences of varicose and spider veins are not a serious medical problem. They can, however, limit your fashion choices, create a loss of body confidence and at their worst, contribute to a lack of self-esteem.
What’s a fashion forward woman to do? Here are some of the treatments available.
Surgical Remedies-
Stripping is a lengthy procedure often performed under general anesthesia and requires a surgeon to make incisions in the groin and below the knee and remove the vein with a long, surgical instrument extending inside the leg to the knee. Vein stripping may require a hospital stay and general anesthesia. Risks of vein stripping can include permanent nerve paralysis in a small percentage of patients, pulmonary emboli, infection, and permanent scarring. General anesthesia provides some risks as well.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure where veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. Possible side effects of sclerotherapy can include temporary stinging or red patches, painful cramps at the injection site, spots around the vein and inflammation or lumps of clotted blood.
Laser Surgery – The use of lasers has become commonplace in all areas of surgery today. Laser technology is also being used to treat spider veins. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, discolored skin and a rare occurrence of burns and scars, generally from poorly performed surgery.
Oral Remedies-
A number of herbal remedies are suggested such as pine bark, horse chestnut, violet and even Vitamin C, but one should proceed with caution in their use as with any medication. Natural does not mean harmless particularly when imbibing or ingesting. Use caution in taking mega-doses of vitamins as well. Check with your doctor or consult a homeopathic or naturopathic physician regarding their harmful effects and drug interactions.
Topical Remedies-
Makeup – Concealers and other cover-ups are an option. You will have to experiment to see what works best for you. In some cases, they can be messy or impractical for everyday use (think leaving behind streaks on light furniture—yikes!) but might be useful for a special occasion.
Leg Treatment Creams – There are a number of creams like Veinuderm™ that work directly on the area and may be able to help. Veinuderm™ contains vitamin K which is used in the treatment of bruising or bleeding under the skin and lightening under-eye circles. These creams can take a few days to a few weeks to work so give them some time and use as directed. To find out more about this promising product do a search on better online stores like www.Amazon.com and the BODeStore.com.
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