Varicose Vein Clinic

Since I was 10 I had a varicose vein on the side of my nose I feel, even if it is about half the size of a 5p piece, it is unsightly.

I always hated, and two years ago I went to the doctors to see what they could do about it, I hoped they suggest lasering away [I heard can be done] but I was directed to a clinic prescribed me a cloth camouflage makeup. I do not think it worked pretty well and did not hide it so I stopped using it.

Perhaps they suggested cosmetic rather than laser treatment because I was only 14 at the time? If I went back today to 16 would they suggest laser treatment instead?

Thank you.

What are varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of calves or inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins called hemorrhoids can form in the vagina or anus.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover an area very small or very large skin.
What causes varicose veins and spider veins?

The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body. The arteries carry blood from heart to body parts. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body to the heart.

The compression of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart of the lower body. The veins have valves that act as components in one direction. These valves prevent blood from flowing backward as it moves up the legs. If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect. This problem is called venous insufficiency. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose. Spider veins can also be caused by backup of blood. The hormonal changes, hereditary factors and exposure to sunlight can also cause spider veins.
How often are abnormal leg veins?

Approximately 50-55% of American women and 40-45% of American men suffer from some form of vein problem. Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people aged 50 and over.
Who often varicose and spider veins?

Many factors increase the chances of a person to develop varicose veins and spider veins. These include:

* Linked to the age
* Having family members with vein problems or being born with weak vein valves
* Hormonal changes. They occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone also increase the risk of varicose veins and spider veins
* Pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after childbirth. A growing number of abnormal veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy
* Obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing and other things that weaken vein valves
* Exposure to sunlight, which can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of a person with fair skin

Why do varicose and spider veins usually appear in the legs?

The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the lower body to the heart make legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins. Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job to do ba blood.