3 Vein Treatments a Dermatologist Might Recommend

by Kevin Smith Author

Two conditions that many people suffer from are varicose and spider veins. These are situations in which the valves that pump blood to the heart have become weakened. While healthy veins push blood through the valves to the heart, weakened veins will push some of the blood backward, resulting in an accumulation in the vein. There are several treatments that a dermatologist might recommend for this condition. Here are some of the most commonly recommended options for leg vein treatment in San Diego.

Improve Circulation

While a dermatologist might recommend a treatment that they’ll perform, sometimes the solution is as simple as self-care. Ideally, the dermatologist will want to avoid any stressful treatment so this might be the first option they attempt. The purpose of the recommendation will be to improve the circulation of blood through the vein. This can be done through exercise, elevating your legs, and avoiding sitting for long periods of time. While this won’t get rid of the existing varicose and spider veins, it will help to prevent new veins from appearing.

Compression Stockings

Another self-care option that a dermatologist might recommend is compression stockings. These will apply a certain amount of pressure, helping to push the blood to the heart. They can also help to lessen the swelling in the lower legs, allowing you to avoid the risk of a blood clot. Similar to improving your circulation, this won’t get rid of your leg veins but will help to prevent new veins from appearing. If you need compression stockings, the dermatologist will examine you to determine the right size and amount of pressure you’ll need.

Sclerotherapy

The most common vein treatment recommended by dermatologists is sclerotherapy. This is a procedure in which a chemical is injected into the vein, irritating the vein wall. This allows the vein walls to stick together, stopping the blood from flowing through. The result is improved circulation and reduced swelling. Following the injection, the leg will be massaged and a compression stocking will be worn. Most patients need to wear the stockings from two to three weeks. Spider veins treated in this way will usually disappear within three to six weeks while varicose veins will usually disappear within three to four months.

There are various treatments that might be used by a dermatologist to treat spider and varicose veins. The right treatment for you depends on your specific condition and the results you hope to achieve. These are some of the most common types of vein treatment in San Diego.