While spider veins are often associated with painful physical symptoms such as throbbing and cramping, they come with a few more mental struggles that can be hard to navigate as well. And if you’ve ever experienced them, you know spider veins during summer can be especially inconvenient.
Spider veins and varicose veins may cause itching, skin discoloration, and swelling, which can be unseemly. If you suffer from spider veins, you may find it hard to enjoy social outings when you’re spending so much energy hiding your legs from view.
How to Enjoy Summer with Spider Veins
While you may not be comfortable with showing off your spider veins, there are many ways you can manage the symptoms of your spider veins and still enjoy your summer.
When traveling for long distances, perhaps for a small summer vacation or simply during a long commute to the beach, keep your legs moving. Sitting still for long periods, especially with your legs crossed, can make spider veins worse. Take plenty of breaks to stretch your legs if you can.
Check your wardrobe
Avoid tight clothing, such as skinny jeans, when packing your bag for your trip. While it may be tempting to wear jeans even during the summer to hide your spider veins, tight clothing can restrict circulation in your legs and only worsen your symptoms.
Instead, opt for long, flowy clothes that give your legs space to breathe. Cotton shorts, long dresses, and skirts, or cargo shorts are all great options to beat the heat and avoid showing off those spider veins.
Be cautious of sun exposure
Protect against the sun’s rays this summer, too. Excessive sunshine, heat, and sunburns can all agitate the problem areas where you deal with spider veins and varicose veins already. Exposing your skin to the sun with prolonged sunbathing can affect the blood vessels that make your spider veins more apparent. This increased temperature of the skin may even dilate your blood vessels, leading to more swelling of the legs and varicose veins.
Bring your umbrellas and parasols to provide ample shade if you plan on lounging on the beach. As always, you should protect your skin with sunblock and SPF lotion to avoid irritating your skin with sunburns.
How to Prevent Spider Veins
Of course, one of the more ideal options is to try and prevent spider veins before they even develop. While spider veins can be hereditary, there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent the development of spider veins:
- Exercising regularly to improve the circulation of blood in your legs
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the pressure put on your legs when you stand or walk
- Avoid crossing legs when sitting or resting
- Avoid standing for long periods without rest
Permanently Treat Spider Veins with Las Vegas Vein Center
If you’re looking for a more concrete solution to help cope with spider veins this summer, schedule a consultation with Las Vegas Vein Center. Our vein experts can assess your problem areas and start treating them so you don’t have to spend another summer full of discomfort and self-consciousness.
