Varicose Veins & Spider Veins

• What are varicose veins?
• What are spider veins?
• Who gets varicose and spider veins?
• What causes varicose and spider veins?
• Is treatment always necessary?
• What procedures are available to treat varicose and spider veins?
• Do these procedures hurt?
• What type of doctors provide treatments for varicose and spider veins?
• What are the side effects of these treatments?
• How long do results last?
• Is one treatment better than the other?
• How expensive is the procedure?
• Related varicose veins articles:
  Varicose veins - on WebMD

What are varicose veins?

A vein is a blood vessel that carries blood low in oxygen content from the body to the lungs and heart. It is a normal part of the circulatory system.

Veins can become buldge with pools of blood when they fail to circulate the blood properly. These visible and bulging veins, called varicose veins, are often associated with symptoms such as tired, heavy, or aching limbs. In severe cases, varicose veins can rupture, or open sores (called "ulcers") can form on the skin. Varicose veins are most common in the legs and thighs.

What are spider veins?

Small "spider veins" also can appear on the skin's surface. These may look like short, fine lines, "starburst" clusters, or a web-like maze. Spider veins are most common in the thighs, ankles, and feet. They may also appear on the face.

Next: Who gets varicose and spider veins? »

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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins - Sclerotherapy, a procedure that eliminates varicose veins and spider veins. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic Edema - Read about edema, an observable swelling in certain parts of the body. Edema may fall into one of two categories: pitting and non-pitting edema. When applying pressure to the swollen skin results in persistent indentation, that's called pitting edema. Treatment for edema typically involves the use of diuretics. Source:MedicineNet Birthmarks and Other Skin Pigmentation Problems - Birthmarks and other skin pigmentation problems are caused by the body's inability to produce enough melanin. Learn how to recognize the symptoms and treatment for skin pigmentation problems on MedicineNet.com. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic Read 24 more Varicose Veins related articles ... New Foam Treatment for Varicose Veins

Last Editorial Review: 12/7/2005