WHAT ARE THREAD VEINS?

Thread veins, often known as spider veins or dermal flares, are fine veins that can be seen through the skin.

This problem often runs in families or may develop following an injury to the leg. They are often the source of itching or aching after prolonged standing.

Although unsightly they are harmless and the majority of these veins can be successfully treated.

LEG THREAD VEINS

In some patients thread veins may be related to varicose veins. Prior to treating thread veins, it is vitally important to exclude any underlying cause by doing an ultrasound investigation. It is not advisable to treat thread veins without the ultrasound scan as the results could prove unsatisfactory and a waste of money.

Failure to do this test may result in a rapid recurrence whenever underlying varicose veins are present. Treatment may be with microsclerotherapy (injection treatment), Veinwave or occasionally PhotoDerm.

FACIAL THREAD VEINS

A new proven technology called PhotoDerm has revolutionised the treatment of unsightly facial thread veins. In this case no ultrasound test is required and treatment is usually highly successful.

Veinwave is also available for the treatment of thread veins on the face as well as other more sensitive areas of the body. Again, an ultrasound test is not required although treatment will only be carried out after a facial consultation with the specialist. Veinwave is more suitable than PhotoDerm for patients with darker complexions.

See "Thread Veins Treatments" for further details.