Although it is rare for the dilated veins to result in any serious health conditions, the symptoms may cause an uncomfortable burden to those who experience the condition. Swelling, burning, itching, and restlessness are a few of the symptoms that may occur for people suffer from spider veins.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, nearly 80 million Americans have spider or varicose veins.1 Almost half of all women between the ages of 40 and 50, and three quarters of those between the ages of 60 and 70, have them. Among men, one quarter of those aged 30 to 40, and half of those over 70, have them.2
In many cases, women who are pregnant experience a tremendous increase of blood in the body which can cause the veins to swell. As the uterus begins to grow, it applies more and more pressure to the veins causing spider veins to form. This case also occurs in men and women who are overweight and those who are unable to move around due to illness or injury.
There are many treatments that clients can undergo to relieve some of the pain associated with this skin condition. Tests can be conducted to conclude the intensity of the problem and rule out any potential threats for any serious disorders. If clients visit your spa in an effort to rid themselves of these unflattering veins, it is important that you cover all of the available treatment options that are in the best interest of the client.

Resources:

1 “Cleveland Clinic - Varicose Veins and Spider Veins.” Cleveland Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2014.
2 “Varicose Veins and Spider Veins Fact Sheet.” Womenshealth.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2014.

Case Study:

A client visits the spa upset about visible blue lines that have recently appeared on her skin. Worried that something may be wrong, she immediately discloses that she recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Nervous that the birth of her son may have caused something to go wrong internally, she tells you that she has also been having trouble with feeling restless, and has been experiencing cramps in addition to slight swelling.
The woman is 33 years old, lives in Miami, Florida, and is a stay-at-home mom. She does not have any prior medical history that explains the discoloration of her veins.

As a skin care professional, what solution would you propose to treat this case study on spider veins?

Solutions:

Anne C. Willis, L.E., C.M.E., founder of De La Terre Skincare®

“There are many reasons pregnancy has an adverse effect on veins. Total body fluid increases 40 to 50 percent and there is significant sodium retention. This may cause edema in the lower legs and ankles. Hormonal effects are responsible for the venous dilation that occurs during pregnancy. High levels of the hormone progesterone weaken vein walls. Estrogen causes veins to dilate. Relaxing also causes the veins to dilate.
The focus of care should be to improve both elasticity and microcirculation while relieving pain and inflammation. Holistic skin therapies focus on specific herbs, such as calendula, gotu kola, and cleavers, because of their direct action on the integrity of vein walls, which reduces the amount of fluid that leaks out of them. If these herbs are applied topical in an unadulterated solution, they have protective and preventative benefits from free radical damage that can undermine vein health. Topical hydrotherapy and manual lymphatic manipulation can also ease swelling and thus reduce pain.
As regards to addressing any internal imbalance, I suggest leaving that to medical professionals and holistic physicians who are licensed to provide this area of care.”

Kathryn Khadija Leverette, L.E., owner of Clinically Clear Skin Rehab Center

Spider veins are minor varicose veins, related to family history, hormones, pregnancy, being overweight and prolonged standing. Refer her to a vein specialist for non-surgical schlerotherapy, more effective on the legs and less pricey than surface laser. Self-help: Lose weight, increase exercise and walking, avoid sun (which breaks down collagen), try a cover cream to add color and camouflage discoloration, and wear recommended compression garments. Schlerotherapy works wonders in a short time and support garments are way cuter these days!”

Amos Lavian, founder of Dermelect

“It sounds like she has developed spider veins. Spider veins are those unattractive small red, purple, and blue blood vessels that turn and twist and can be seen through the skin. They develop due to a number of factors including heredity, obesity, hormonal activity (like puberty, pregnancy, menopause) or lifestyle factors like standing for extended periods of time. During pregnancy, many hormonal changes occur that result in increased volume and pressure to the body, specifically to the pelvic region by the fetus. In direct correlation, it affects a stretching of the venous valves, which in turn leads to spider veins. These changes generally tend to resolve on their own, anywhere from three to six months after delivery (depending if breastfeeding). Yet, in some instances, these valves may permanently malfunction and it would be necessary to go a different route. I would recommend a ‘wait and see’ approach to see if it resolves itself. Otherwise, there are several treatment approaches that range from support stockings, topical treatments, a lifestyle adjustment (staying off your feet more) or contacting a vein specialist for an invasive procedure called sclerotherapy, which involves an injection of a highly concentrated saline directly into the blocked vein.”