Q: Hello Dr. Ketch. Please what do you recommend for someone with spider veins?

A: Spider veins are a form of varicose veins. They are smaller and found closer to the skin. Most of you must have heard of varicose veins and have an idea how they look. But why do they form and where are they likely to strike? 😀

Varicose veins are enlarged veins and can occur anywhere in the body. However, they are more frequently found in the lower limbs as standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body. This pressure may cause the valves that keep the blood flowing towards the heart, to weaken such that blood flows backwards and pools in the lower limbs. They usually appear bluish or purple and are more of an image/cosmetic problem for a lot of people. But in others, this condition presents with symptoms…