Spider veins, which are also referred to as telangiectasia or erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, are small blood vessels that develop beneath the skin. These veins may be blue, purple or red and can appear in the form of branches, lines, or webs. Although these veins can develop anywhere on the body, they are usually found on the legs.
Does Tanning or Spray Tanning Make Spider Veins Worse?
Yes. Over time, tanning can make telangiectasia worse. A lot of people who already have spider veins tan in the summer months in an attempt to cover them up, however, since exposure to UV rays can cause spider veins to worsen, this camouflaging method should be avoided.
How the Sun Makes Spider Veins Worse
When the skin is exposed to UV rays, collagen, the main structural protein in the skin, begins to break down, the vessels located just below the surface of the skin begin breaking down as well, which results in the development of spider veins. Another factor in spider vein development is heat. As the body attempts to cool itself, the superficial veins are dilated and brought closer to the surface.
Spray Tans to Cover These Veins – A Widely Used Method, Not the Best One
In order to achieve a summer glow, many of the people who know the negative effects UV rays can have on the skin and on telangiectasia have decided to switch from traditional tanning to spray tanning.
Although spray tanning will not make these veins worse, this method of tanning is still not considered healthy for the skin or for the rest of the body. Spray tan solutions typically contain a color additive called dihydroxyacetone or DHA. This chemical reacts with the dead skin cells on the body to temporarily darken the skin, thus, making it appear as if the skin is tanned. However, DHA can cause a variety of health issues.
Potential risks of spray tanning:
- High levels of DHA in the skin could cause DNA damage.
- Studies indicate that inhaling DHA while getting a spray tan might cause cancer.
- The chemicals in spray tan products may interact with the solutions and products used during a surgical procedure, therefore, having surgery after receiving a spray tan could result in inflammation and damage to the deeper layers of skin.
Sclerotherapy as a Spider Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive vein treatment that is available at Schulman Vein and Laser Center in Long Island, New York. Sclerotherapy is a quick, in-office procedure that provides patients with long-lasting results.
Preparing for a sclerotherapy procedure:
- Prior to the procedure, patients may need to purchase 20-30 mmHg compression stockings.
- Compression stockings protect the treated veins and will be worn for up to two weeks after surgery.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least one month before surgery.
- On the day of the procedure, do not moisturize the area receiving treatment.
- Before the day of the procedure, please inform Dr. Schulman of any allergies to latex or adhesives.
- To ensure you remain comfortable during the procedure, please wear a skirt or shorts to your sclerotherapy appointment.
Sclerotherapy is a relatively simple treatment that involves injecting an FDA-approved solution into the spider vein, causing it to close. Once the vein closes, it is reabsorbed by the body and disappears.
Patients must wear compression stockings directly after surgery and for up to two weeks thereafter. These compression stockings protect the treated veins.
Many patients find that a single vein treatment is all they need, however, for patients who have severe spider veins, to attain optimal results, several vein treatments may be required.
Schulman Vein’s Exceptional Practice in Long Island
At Schulman Vein and Laser Center in Long Island, New York, patients receive treatment from vein doctors who, collectively, have 55 years of experience treating venous conditions and diseases. Dr. Martin L. Schulman M.D. and Dr. Lee G. Schulman M.D. are fully dedicated to providing vein treatment to individuals who struggle with telangiectasia as well as other venous conditions and diseases.
Dr. Martin Schulman and Dr. Lee Schulman are internationally known phlebologists who can address your spider veins to give you the beautiful, healthy-looking skin you desire. Contact us today and schedule an appointment to come meet our vein physicians in Long Island, NY.