Is there any way to get rid of thread veins

asks modge:
A. Thread veins - or spider veins - are tiny veins which are usually invisible in the skin. When they expand, they appear red and spidery, usually on the nose, cheeks and legs. They are harmless

Q. What causes them
A. They can have several causes - exposure to the sun over many years; they may be inherited; pregnancy is a common trigger; and they tend to appear as we age and the skin becomes thinner.

Q. How can I get rid of them
A. There are a few treatments - none of which is 100% successful on everyone. And none will stop the thread veins coming back.

• Micro-sclerotherapy: this is the most common treatment. Tiny needles are used to inject a substance into the veins and they disappear over a few weeks. There can be an allergic reaction to the injection.
• Laser treatment: this works well on the face, but causes bruising which can last for up to ten days. It's very expensive and can leave tiny white scars. The newer pulsed dye lasers and long-pulse infrared lasers are most effective.
• Photoderm: a newer, high-intensity light treatment which heats the veins to make them clot. There are conflicting studies on its effectiveness.
• Electrolysis: cheap, but less effective and may cause scarring.

Q. Can I have treatment on the NHS
A. Not usually, but if it's a real problem for you, you can ask your GP for advice. Normally, this sort of treatment is done privately. To find a good, suitably qualified clinic for treatment, speak to people who've been there, ask your GP and always ask about the credentials of the doctors (training and experience).

Q. Is there anything I can do to help myself
A. Yes...

• You can avoid spicy food and alcohol if you find they make it worse.
• Some experts recommend horse chestnut cream (from health food stores) to strengthen the veins in the skin.
• Bioflavonoids are also believed to strengthen veins and help prevent thread veins. Bioflavonoids are found mainly in fruit and vegetables. (Rutin is a bioflavonoid supplement which is often mentioned in connection with thread veins, but it has been traditionally used in Latin America to prevent pregnancy, so it should be avoided by women who are or who wish to become pregnant.)
• Concealers are effective at disguising thread veins.
• If the veins are on your legs, a fake tan will disguise them well.

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By Sheena Miller