Spider veins: Sclerotherapy still the gold standard

Almost every 3rd women age 30 and older is affected by so-called spider veins (also called telangiectasias) – small groups of web patterned tiny reddish or purple blood vessels near the skin's surface. They develop most often on thighs, calves and ankles.

Spider veins are commonly caused by a genetically predisposed weak connective tissue, sedentary lifestyle, hormonal imbalances or extensive sun-exposure. In most cases spider veins don't indicate a health risk, nevertheless their appearance is a major cosmetic concern for many women – and men – especially if the spider veins extend on a larger area.

Experts still consider sclerotherapy (cauterization) the therapy of choice for the treatment of spider veins. That's the reason why this method is performed at hautok. A foamed sclerosant is injected into the tiny vessel by means of a very fine cannula. Subsequently the vessel walls are adhered to each other and blood perfusion through these vessels is prevented. Within a short period of time the spider veins become invisible and the blood circulate through other, healthy veins.

Fall and winter is the best time for such a sclerotherapeutic treatment due to the fact that sun-exposure should be avoided after the cauterization in order to prevent discoloration of skin (hyperpigmentation).