What are thread veins? How do you treat them?

July 06 2022   |   News

Thread veins are a common problem that affects up to 88% of women and 79% of men. They are very fine visible veins lying in the skin. They come from normal veins in the skin which grow much bigger than their usual size. They often occur near the ankle, over the inside of the knee and outside of the thigh, but can be found in many other places too. Medically known as ‘Telangiectasia’, they are small blood vessels within the living layer of the skin that have become dilated. Typically, small thread veins are red, but if they are larger, they can appear purple or even green.

How do you get thread veins?

The biggest influence of thread veins is the genes that your parents gave you. The more relatives you have with thread veins, the more likely you are to have them.

However, there are a few lifestyle factors which may determine whether you get thread veins or not. A common thought is that if you wear tight clothing, or cross your legs regularly, you may be more prone to getting these visible blood vessels.

Another cause can be pregnancy. Pregnant women often find that they develop thread veins, this is because the hormone oestrogen relaxes blood vessel walls and this can cause the thread veins to appear.

While thread veins do not cause pain, some people prefer to receive treatment for thread veins because they consider them unsightly. Obvious thread veins on the thighs can prevent you from sunbathing on holiday in a crowded resort, for example, or going swimming in your local pool.

How can I remove thread veins?

Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for varicose and spider veins. A consultant will inject a solution into the vein which collapses the affected vein.

The veins will then soon be reabsorbed into nearby tissue and fade, moving blood to healthier veins. Although multiple treatments may be needed for the desired results, you will begin to see the difference in just weeks.

Summerfield Healthcare offer thread vein removal consultation, where they can examine your concerns and give you the right options for removal. Sclerotherapy at Summerfield Healthcare can offer:

 

Fading of red and prominent veins

Clear skin resulting in improved self-confidence

Fast treatment 

Results visible within weeks

 

As well as thread veins, Summerfield Healthcare also provide treatment for varicose veins. Booking your vein removal consultation is easy, email your enquiry [email protected] or call our reception team on 0333 9000 010.