Varicose and Spider Vein Prevention: Top Five Tips

Although genes and hormones can contribute to varicose and spider veins, simple lifestyle changes can help prevent new unsightly veins from appearing and keep existing ones from getting worse.

1. Sunscreen

Spider veins can be caused by sun exposure, which is often the reason why some fair skinned ladies may experience tiny spider veins that appear as broken capillaries on their faces, particularly around the nose. The solution: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

2. Exercise

Poor circulation, which can cause spider and varicose veins, is often the result of being sedentary. So get up and move around! Find an exercise routine you enjoy and stick to it. Dr. Kopelson recommends swimming as it promotes circulation while taking pressure off your legs.

And, at the very least, if you’re stuck at a desk all day (or in a car/on a plane), get up and walk around for five minutes every hour or so.

Working out not only helps promote circulation, it will also help you maintain a healthy weight, which will also reduce your chances of developing varicose and spider veins.

3. Uncross Your Legs

This is not a beauty myth: Sitting with your legs crossed can promote the formation of spider and varicose veins, as it constricts the blood flow to and from your legs. To counteract this, sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor, and your spine aligned with your hips (more great posture tips here).

Need to cross your legs? Try doing it at the ankle rather than at the thigh.

4. Take Breaks from Standing

Just as you want to avoid sitting for long periods of time, try to avoid standing for long periods as well. If you don’t have that luxury, though, and have to be on your feet all day, make sure you’re wearing supportive shoes, take breaks to sit down, and prop your feet up when you can (to facilitate circulation). This will not only help take the pressure off your legs, but your joints and back will thank you.

5. Compression Socks

This may be an item you never thought you’d sport, but if you have to stand on your feet for long periods of time, you may want to consider compression socks/stockings.

This little fashion gem (kidding) can actually work wonders, helping to keep the blood from pooling in your legs and feet and thus help prevent spider veins, varicose veins, and other much more serious venous disorders. They’re just like stockings that use super tight elastic (you can get them flesh colored and wear them under your pants and shoes to be discreet). Compression stockings also can help you feel relief from heavy, aching legs after standing on your feet all day.

The Kopelson Clinic specializes in spider and varicose vein treatments, including sclerotherapy and/or the Nd:YAG laser for the legs, the Pulsed Dye Laser, the Nd:YAG laser, or the IPL machine for the face.