What Causes Thread Veins?

Thread veins – those small, spidery red veins seen just under the skin – not only appear unsightly, but can feel sore or uncomfortable. Luckily, our expert dermatologists at our Manchester IPL laser clinic can help treat them, and can also share advice that could help prevent these pesky veins from forming in the future.

Multiple Causes

Thread veins are caused by damage to the valves in the underlying veins. This can be a result of:

– Sun damage – such as in thread veins on the face
– Pressure – for example, sitting or standing in the same position for a long time
– Genes – as with many skin concerns, genetics play a part
– Weight gain – such as through pregnancy

Whatever the cause, the red, spidery appearance of the veins can be uncomfortable and affect your confidence. That’s why we recommend thread vein removal.

How To Avoid Thread Veins

There’s lots you can do to prevent thread veins forming, though bear in mind that some causes – such as genetics and pregnancy – may be out of your control. Ideas include:

– Exercising regularly, and ensuring you frequently get up and move throughout the day. This is especially important during the pandemic/lockdown and with remote working or an office-based role. With limits on outdoor exercising, ensure you still get up and move around the house or office and take regular breaks as and when needed.
– Elevating your feet when you sit, to prevent blood from pooling in your legs/feet. This might not be possible to do in a working environment, but propping your legs on a cushion at home could help.
– Protecting yourself in the sun, whether with sun protection, through seeking shade, or by covering exposed areas of skin. Our dermatologists recommend daily sunscreen of at least SPF30+, as UV damage from the sun can cause many skin concerns and even skin cancer.
– Eating well, which can help keep you at a healthy weight and relieve pressure. This means drinking plenty of water, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and practising portion control.

Other Tips & Tricks

You may have heard of compression stockings, which are ideal for preventing future thread vein growth. Compression stockings apply pressure to the calves/lower leg, which in turn boosts circulation and can ease any swelling. They’re also highly recommended for travel, where you may be seated in the same position for a long time, such as on a long coach journey or flight. They won’t help with thread vein removal, but could be a preventative measure.

Thread Vein Removal

Of course, if you already have this problem, thread vein removal is a useful way of treating it. At our Manchester IPL laser clinic, we can use lasers to help ‘clot and dry up’ the veins, which fades their appearance over time. Lasers are both safe and effective, and can be used to treat other concerns, too. It’s also minimally invasive, which means there are fewer risks and less downtime than may be involved in alternative methods.

Get In Touch

To speak to our team about thread vein removal, get in touch via our contact page. We look forward to seeing you at our IPL laser clinic, here in Manchester, soon.