You may have thread veins if you see or feel any of the following conditions:

• An uncomfortable feeling of heaviness in your legs
• Swelling
• Rash
• Throbbing, cramping, or aching
• Itching around the veins

These symptoms often worsen after prolonged sitting or standing. You may also develop a brown discoloration of the skin and skin ulcers.

There are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting thread veins. These can also help you ease your discomfort from the ones you already have:

• Wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing that constricts your legs.
• Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time.
• Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods.
• Wear SPF 30 (Sun Protection Factor) lotion to protect your skin.
• Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength and circulation.
• Avoid crossing your legs for long times when sitting. You may injure your legs that way.
• Lift your legs when resting as much as possible.
• Don’t stand or sit for long periods of time.

Laser Therapy

The most effective proven treatment for thread veins is laser therapy, which removes unwanted veins using brief pulses of laser light. The laser works safely and only on the thread veins, leaving your surrounding skin unharmed. You may experience some bruising or swelling after treatment, but this should end within 72 hours. You can have this treatment on most areas of your face, neck and legs. There is often a visible reduction in unwanted veins by as much as 75 per cent with one to three treatments and the results are permanent.

Find out more about the laser therapy treatment for your legs or face.