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If you have faint blue lines somewhere around your body, it’s probably a spider vein. Learn how to get rid of spider veins and keep them away.

When somebody works out and stays in shape, you can sometimes see their veins “popping” out. However, when you can visibly see some clear blue outlines or veins bunched up, it’s a different (and more serious) case.

The two common types of visible veins are varicose veins and spider veins. Getting their name from their web-like appearance, spider veins are small, superficial veins in the outer layer of the skin.

While both varicose and spider veins are usually a result of poor circulation, someone may get spider veins and never have varicose veins.

Causes of Spider Veins

The main culprit behind spider veins is poor blood flow. When there is a problem in the way blood circulates, it can create extra pressure on the vein walls and lead to varicose and spider veins.

Furthermore, factors such as age, genetics, and level of physical activity can increase the likelihood of developing these visible veins. According to a 2008 study, being overweight can negatively impact the function of your veins and increase the risk of visible veins.

Dr. Christopher Hollingsworth, M.D., a general surgeon at NYC Surgical Associates, points to visceral fat. Visceral fat, the fat around the stomach, increases pressure in the abdomen.

“That increased pressure dilates the veins, which extends all the way through the lower vein bridge and all the way up to the veins in your skin,” said Dr. Hollingsworth.

how to get rid of spider veinsPreventing Spider Veins

While some of the underlying causes of spider veins are preventable, others (such as genetics) are not. However, there are some factors that you do have control over such as the level of physical activity in your daily life.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you move around a bit every 30 minutes, especially if your job has you sitting all day.

The reverse is also recommended for people who stand for extended periods. In addition, people should make exercise a regular activity and elevate their legs when possible.

Since the root of most visible veins is poor circulation, taking supplements to improve blood flow can go a long way. Beet supplements are known for improving circulation because their main ingredient (beets) is scientifically proven to improve blood flow.

HeartBeet Complete is one of the most effective of these supplements because it combines beet powder with other circulation-enhancers: l-arginine, l-citrulline, turmeric, and CoQ10.

All of these ingredients help to boost circulation and help prevent visible veins. However, what can you do if you already have visible veins?

Getting Rid of Spider Veins

There is plenty of home remedy advice when it comes to treating spider veins. While massages and drinking certain types of tea may help improve circulation and, in a way, help prevent spider veins, they can’t do anything to treat them.

According to Dr. Hollingsworth, once you have visible veins, the only way to get rid of them is through surgery.

“There’s nothing really that you can do aside from the small minimally invasive treatments we have that is going to make spider veins look any better,” said Dr. Hollingsworth. “Creams, ointments, or rubbing aren’t going to make spider veins go away.”

Since varicose and spider veins are superficial, healthy veins will take over their duty after the surgery is done and there is no impact to your overall health.

There are several options you can choose from: sclerotherapy, laser treatment, medical glue, and radio frequency ablation (RFA). These procedures are done through tiny punctures in the skin and are not invasive.

If you have your procedure in the morning, you can likely go back to work in the afternoon (or simply take the day off and relax). Whichever treatment you choose, go with a doctor that specialized in vein treatments.

Fortunately, insurance can cover many vein treatments; for those without insurance, it can cost between $300 to $8,000. If you have spider veins, visit your doctor to discuss the possible underlying reasons and different treatment options.