For all its wisdom and invaluable use, the internet has a habit of inducing paranoia and leading many of us astray.
All it takes is a little whisper in your ear, life unfolding around us, or perhaps a scene in your favourite TV show or book which hit home harder than expected to drive us to the wild world web in search of answers.
Telangiectasia, aka facial thread veins, aka spider veins, are more common than you might think, especially as we age and our skin loses its elasticity. The condition presents as visible webs of veins beneath the skin, forking like blue, red or purple lightning. The branch-like weave of these vessels gives rise to the ‘spider vein’ moniker, and they’re most commonly found on the face or legs.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there regarding these undesirables, that’s why, with the help of Dr Nathan Holt of Cambridge Laser Clinic fame, we’re setting out to set the record straight.
Myth #1 – It’s only hereditary
Yes, it’s possible to be susceptible to facial thread veins through your genes. If you remember your grandparents through the memories of youth with those unruly, unsightly and scary webs streaking beneath their skin, it’s entirely possible you might suffer one day also.
Genetics, however, are far from the sole source of spider veins.
Prolonged sufferers of rosacea, the Red Face, can easily develop the condition. Head injuries or high levels of caffeine or spicy foods can incite them.
Frequent consumption of alcohol can dilate the blood vessels and set the spider vein train in motion.
Then there’s exposure to drastic climate changes, adverse weather conditions, sun exposure, pressure changes, environmental irritants, smoking, liver disease or even pregnancy.
Yep. There’s a cause waiting to fit most anyone, so don’t assume you’re immune because your family’s all clear – you could just be the first.
Myth #2 – Spider Veins can be prevented
Don’t buy into the too-good-to-be-true hoo-ha that some miracle cream can prevent thread veins. There is no way to totally prevent spider veins from developing.
Of course, you can take the hit list we just ran through, avoid literally everything (and lead a rather beige life)… and you might still end up with facial thread veins one day.
The best means of prevention are simple lifestyle choices.
Focus on your posture and improving your circulation – don’t be a slave to your environment, hunched over that laptop screen, straighten up! Regular exercise is another fantastic way to keep those veiny cobwebs away, as is paying attention to maintaining a healthy diet, though remember – there are simply no guarantees.
Myth #3 – There’s no way to treat them
So many sufferers of the spider vein curse rush right to Google, stumble upon a number of home remedies, give them a whirl and wind up no better off. What’s worse is the NHS doesn’t actively offer treatment either.
This has led to a wide misconception that there is no treatment for the condition, that you just have to live with it. Deal and move on.
This myth could not be further from the truth.
If the idea of a minimally invasive procedure doesn’t make you sweat, then sclerotherapy is an option. This involves injecting the veins with a solution which damages the vein and then allows the body to heal.
Not bad, but I prefer option 2.
Laser treatment of facial thread veins promotes a less invasive path and equal or superior results.
Banish any fears of being like Bond on Goldfinger’s table, these lasers are perfectly safe. The lasers used target only your unwanted thread veins, directing laser light at them and causing them to heat up fast, while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.
From there, those veins break down (similarly to with sclerotherapy), in what’s called photothermolysis, and the body’s natural healing takes care of the rest.
Myth #4 – Thread veins are dangerous
I know they can look scary, but they are basically harmless.
I say basically because, let’s face it, we all have enough on our plates without worrying about unsightly veins showing up like an enraged caricature.
Spider veins are typically tiny, under 1mm thick, and very close to the surface of the skin, meaning beyond potential embarrassment, the worst things might get is a slight itch or tingling burning sensation.
Thread veins can sometimes, however, be mistaken for varicose veins – now those can cause some trouble. Being roughly three times the size of their smaller counterparts, varicose veins start deeper, can protrude from the skin and, in severe cases, can lead to blood clots.
Rest assured, that’s only in worst-case scenarios. Still, sounds like a grand reason to get yours checked out, no?
Myth #5 – Treatment is temporary and expensive
The ‘temporary’ nature of thread vein treatment has become a belief for all the wrong reasons.
Treatment of spider veins involves breaking down the dilated veins, which are then absorbed by the body resulting in the vein no longer being visible beneath the skin’s transparency. Once taken care of, the dilation of the original vein will never happen again.
That said, it is possible for other veins near the original area to dilate and become spider veins, leading to the ‘temporary’ misconception. Patients who take precautions to reduce the chances of repeat occurrences tend not to have ongoing issues, and those who do can always return for more treatment.
While laser treatment is hardly as cheap as chips, it is by far the most effective means of combating facial thread veins.