As we grow older, many of us can find
a jagged purple lines spreading across our thighs and calves. Spider
veins can occur in up to 60% of adults. Usually blue, red, or purple,
spider veins are cluster of small, thin veins. Visible under the skin,
they form a web-like structure and occur when valves in the blood
vessels become weak and cannot push blood back toward the heart.
When small valves in the veins become weak, varicose veins may develop. These valves usually stop blood from flowing back through the veins and may pool in the veins when they are damaged. This causes twisted and swollen veins to become very visible.
Causes of Spider Veins
There can be a number of factors for spider veins. These include heredity, obesity, postmenopausal hormonal replacement, a history of blood clots, the use of birth control pills as well as occupations that involve a lot of standing, such as nurses, hair stylists, teachers, and factory workers.Spider veins are more common in women than in men, and they increase in frequency with age. Although often painless, some people with spider veins complain about pain, described in the legs as an aching or cramping. Other common symptoms include fatigue, restlessness, burning, throbbing and tingling.
During certain parts of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, symptoms may be worse in women. And in many occasions, varicose veins can form a painful blood clot with inflammation of the vein. This condition is called thrombophlebitis.
More than 60 percent of adults will experience spider veins at some point. And although there are several medical treatments for this condition, many wish to try natural home remedies to relieve the symptoms and appearance of spider veins.
However, there are several ways to treat spider veins with natural remedies. Here they are:
Method 1: Apple Cider Vinegar
Method 2: Massage
Start by lying down on a flat surface. Place a pillow under your legs and apply olive oil on your veins. Massage the affected areas for several minutes starting from the foot, massaging in an upward direction. Repeat 3-4 times a day.
Method 3: Hydrogen Peroxide
Things you’ll need:
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide (anti-inflammatory)
- Cotton towel
Preparation and Use:
Mix the water and hydrogen peroxide together. Soak the cotton towel in the solution and place it over the affected area. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Method 4: Witch Hazel
Pour some witch hazel on a cotton ball and apply it on the affected areas. Do this 2-3 times a day. The first few uses will give you temporary relief- it will take 6-8 weeks to get rid of the spider veins completely.
Method 5: Essential Oil
Things you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of Almond oil ( carrier oil)
- 2-3 drops of Lemon essential oil ( anti-inflammatory)
Preparation and Use:
Mix the ingredients well and massage the veins with it. Rub in an upwards direction. Do this twice a day and the results will be visible after a month.
Method 6: Arnica Gel
Simply apply the gel on the veins and let the skin absorb it. Do this twice a day and the spider veins will disappear completely after 2 months.
Exercise
Regular exercise can improve the blood circulation in the legs, which helps to push the blood that has collected in the veins. With exercise, you can also lower your blood pressure, which is another contributing factor to spider veins. You can do some low-impact exercises to help your calf and thigh muscles, like swimming, walking, cycling and yoga.
Keep The Legs Elevated
It will help to improve circulation by keeping the legs elevated, ideally at the same height as the heart or above. This lowers the pressure in the veins of the legs and gravity will help the blood flow back to the heart smoothly. If you sit down for long periods of time, such as during work or rest, you should aim to keep your legs elevated.
Massage
Massaging the affected areas carefully can help keep the blood moving through the veins. You can use massage oils or moisturizer for optimal effects. However, it is crucial to avoid pressing directly onto the veins, you risk damaging fragile tissues.
