Some people with spider veins or varicose veins may wish for an easy solution to make the lines or bulges on their legs fade or disappear. Doctors offer a variety of effective treatments, but some people may be intrigued by blue-light therapy, which may be available in spas or for at-home treatment.
Although some individuals may have positive experiences with it, blue-light treatments may not be effective and won’t be as effective as other therapies which doctors can offer.
“People may try to do something inexpensive at home or go to a spa, but they shouldn’t expect much from an inexpensive blue-light pen that’s available online, and a spa technician doesn’t have the equipment or expertise to provide effective medical treatments,” says vascular surgeon, Habib Khan, M.D. “People with spider veins or varicose veins should trust a doctor to find a solution that works best for them.”
Spider veins are thin lines that can be seen through the skin, and they’re often reddish. Varicose veins are thicker, ropier veins, which may be bluish or purple, or they may appear as bulges beneath your skin. Both may develop when blood doesn’t flow through leg veins efficiently.
Blue-light therapy may be more likely to work on smaller spider veins than larger varicose veins, but it may not have a noticeable effect. However, blue-light therapy has been shown to work as an acne treatment, so it may help people with other issues related to the appearance of the skin.
Varicose veins and spider veins are more common among women than men. They’re also more likely to develop in:
Spider veins and varicose veins don’t typically cause health problems; they’re usually a cosmetic issue, although they may cause discomfort or make your legs feel heavy or tired.
If you’re bothered by varicose veins or spider veins, ask a doctor about your options for minimizing or eliminating them. You’ll have better results with a medical professional than at a spa or through an online purchase. However, spider veins and varicose veins sometimes develop again in people who are susceptible to them, regardless of the treatment.
Common treatments for varicose veins and spider veins include:
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
Subscribe to get the latest health tips from our expert clinicians delivered weekly to your inbox.
Slipping on ice is a leading cause of winter injuries — some of which can be especially serious for older adults.
Every year like clockwork, the flu season descends again. While most people can recover from the flu without complications, the virus can be dangerous for others with weakened immune systems.
For a Howell man, severe varicose veins are now a thing of the past. Twenty-one years ago, Doug Richardson underwent a procedure to remove severe varicose veins in both legs, only to watch in…
Phillip Castillo, RN, has a scar on the right side of his skull that curls like a question mark, a reminder of how little he used to understand about the plight of his patients in the stroke unit at JFK Medical Center.
When a blood clot forms, it can obstruct blood flow, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Our experts explain signs of a blood clot, when to seek care, and healthy habits for prevention.
Some people are intrigued by intravenous (IV) treatments that can supposedly “cure” a hangover.
© 2023 Hackensack Meridian Health
