Thread veins are small, thin, red/blue veins that lie beneath the surface of the skin. They can affect women of all ages but seem to grow more apparent as we age. This can be distressing – particularly in summer when your legs are on show and you want to look good! They aren’t a medical problem as such but many people choose to have them removed.
Causes of Thread Veins
- Excess sun exposure.
- Pregnancy.
- Oestrogen supplements – for example, the contraceptive pill or HRT.
- Hereditary factors.
- Aging – as we get older the skin loses collagen and the subcutaneous fat becomes thinner, making the veins stand out.
- Rosacea, a condition that can occur as a result of overuse of steroid creams.
- In rare occasions they can be a sign of thyroid disorder – ask for a blood test to check your levels.
How the Circulatory System Works
The skin obtains its blood supply from small blood vessels that branch outwards from the main tree of arteries and veins in the body. These blood vessels have thinner walls so can be seen through the surface of the skin. The circulatory system returns the blood flow back to the heart via the larger venules. This process is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. Thread veins in the legs occur when the blood vessels are enlarged and the process of venous return is not working as it should.
What is the Difference Between Thread and Varicose Veins?
Vein clinic The Whiteley Clinic, London differentiates between the two:
Thread veins are close to skin’s surface, are red/bluish in colour and less than 1-2mm in length (like tiny tree branches). They can sometimes make your legs ache but they don’t require medical treatment and aren’t a sign of anything serious.
Varicose veins are deeper under the skin and can be blue/green or flesh-coloured. They are larger and more prominent and will require medical treatment as they are a sign that the circulatory system isn't working properly.
Treating Thread Veins
Holistic Treatments
- Make-up/concealer or fake tan can make them less noticeable. Find a tone that matches your skin.
- Avoid standing still for too long – keep your legs and the blood flow moving by walking around and sitting down.
- Cut down on alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods if this exacerbates them. Maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly and stop smoking.
- Natural creams – the website Embarrassing Problems recommends using horse chestnut cream (available from health stores) to help strengthen the veins.
- Self-massage – they can be reduced by firmly massaging the area with oil or cream several times a day to increase blood flow. Try dry skin brushing gently towards the heart before a shower. Certain aromatherapy oils can help (speak to a qualified aromatherapist).
Medical Treatments
The two main treatments for thread veins are laser therapy and micro-sclerotherapy. You may need to pay for private treatment via your local hospital or cosmetic surgery clinic. Ask your health practitioner for recommendations.
Laser treatment (good for the face) involves using different types of laser to zap the veins. It works well on the face because the veins are close to the surface (usually around the nose area) and is very effective at getting rid of them although repeat treatments are usually required. It can be expensive and isn’t suitable for darker skins due to excess pigment, which stops the laser working effectively.
Micro-sclerotherapy is when the veins are injected via small needles with a special chemical that makes them coagulate. Repeat sessions are usually required and you will need to wear a compression stocking for a week or so to enable the veins to disperse. This treatment generally works well on the legs.
Thread veins can be unsightly but don’t feel you are stuck with them. There are various treatment options, both holistic and medical, depending on your budget and preference.
This article is for general information purposes only. Consult your health practitioner for specific guidance on a health issue.
Nicci Talbot - Nicci Talbot is a journalist and author specialising in sex, health & wellbeing. She edits Rude Magazine, an online resource for better ...
Join the Conversation