Everything Face

What are the options for treating facial spider veins?

2011-02-24T19:05:00.001-08:00

There are several ways to treat spider veins on the face. Lasers have been used successfully, alone or in combination with electric needle therapy. The heat from the laser beam or intense pulsed light device selectively destroys the abnormal veins. Laser is most effective for the most superficial spider veins on the skin surface. With the electric needle, the veins are sealed off with the application of electrical current. Most individuals require a few sessions to erase the spider veins. No matter what type of treatment, new spider veins can and do recur.

Are spider veins harmful?

2011-02-24T19:04:00.003-08:00

Once facial veins develop, they rarely resolve on their own. However facial spider veins are harmless and cause no symptoms. The only reason to treat spider veins is for cosmetic improvement. Men also develop spider veins but unlike females, rarely seek treatment

What causes spider veins on the face?

2011-02-24T19:04:00.001-08:00

The cause of spider veins on the face is not really understood. Unlike the leg spider veins, the facial spider veins are not linked to high venous pressures. Exposure to sunlight has been linked to facial spider veins. The facial spider veins usually occur in the 3^rd decade of life and may wax and wane with time. Facial spider veins are more common in families with a history of vein problems.

Can you tell me what spider veins on the face look like?

2011-02-24T19:03:00.005-08:00

Spider veins are very small dark blue or reddish veins which appear on the surface of the skin. They are called spider veins because they have a dark middle spot with bluish lines radiating from the center. The spider veins usually are found just around the nose and on the cheeks. They are more noticeable in fair skinned people

What is cost of treating facial spider veins?

2011-02-24T19:03:00.003-08:00

Costs may vary depending on several factors such as severity of the skin condition, number of spider veins and your physician’s reputation. Laser or intense pulse light therapy is by no means cheap. Even though costs may start at around $ 300, this may be limited to treatment of a few spider veins. The overall costs usually are close to $1000 and above. No medical insurance carriers cover the cost of this therapy. So before you decide to embark on this therapy, get the eventual cost.

Since there is a bandwagon of health care professionals clamoring in the business of facial rejuvenation, go and see a physician with proper credentials and experience with this therapy.

Does laser work in everyone with facial spider veins?

2011-02-24T19:03:00.001-08:00

Laser treatments are appropriate for individuals who have mild sun damaged skin, individuals with wrinkles, mild acne scars, tiny skin discoloration and scratches. Lasers do not always produce the best results with severe skin scarring and frequently the technique is combined with surgical scar revision. All individuals should have realistic expectations of the procedure. Even though every doctor now has a laser in his/her office, lasers only produce a decent cosmetic result in a few people- most end up with disappointments.

Are there any complications of laser treatments for facial spider veins?

2011-02-24T19:00:00.003-08:00

The complications of laser are chiefly a mild sun burn-like effect. The lasers do not harm the adjacent skin and are safe when used with care. In the rare dark skinned individual, scarring may occur. However, there are non health care workers also using lasers. Best advice, avoid corner stores and spas for laser treatments. If you want the best result go to a reputable skin doctor- of course that will cost you an arm and a leg. If you do not have the money, learn to like your spider veins- they are harmless.

Can facial spider veins recur after treatment?

2011-02-24T19:00:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately yes; there is no cure for facial spider veins and even current day treatments are only temporary solutions. To prevent new veins from occurring, always protect your skin from the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a suntan. If new spider veins do occur in future, they too can be treated.

How does one feel after laser treatment of facial spider veins?

2011-02-24T18:59:00.005-08:00

Soon after the procedure there is no pain. The skin may appear slightly red and over the next day or two may mimic a sun burn. These changes will subside in 5-7 days. The texture of the skin may be temporarily altered. One can wear camouflage creams until the skin has recovered.

How long does laser treatment for facial spider veins take?

2011-02-24T18:59:00.003-08:00

These lunch time treatments rarely take more than 10-30 minutes, but a full face laser rejuvenation can take a lot longer.

How many treatments are need to get rid of facial spider veins?

2011-02-24T18:59:00.001-08:00

This really depends on the number of spider veins. In most individuals 2-3 sessions are required to get the optimum cosmetic result. The darker the veins, the harder it is to get rid of them. The treatment sessions are generally spaced out over a period of 4-6 weeks to allow for healing.

Is laser treatment for facial spider veins painful?

2011-02-24T18:58:00.005-08:00

The degree of pain is variable, but you can rest assured it is not entirely painless. Most women complain of a sharp stinging sensation when the laser is fired. There are modern lasers which have a cooling piece at the end of it and thus, the pain is reduced. However, if you do not like any pain, your physician can apply some ice or topical anesthetic a few minutes before the procedure. Once the treatment is completed, there is no pain.

What are treatments available for facial spider veins?

2011-02-24T18:58:00.003-08:00

There are two relatively new techniques to treat spider veins on the face. They include the laser and intense pulsed light. Both of these work similarly. The devices are simple hand held instruments which fires a beam of light at the spider veins. The heat generated is absorbed by the blood pigment which results in collapse of the spider veins. Over time the collapsed vessel slowly disappears from the surface of the skin.

Why do spider veins occur on the face?

2011-02-24T18:58:00.001-08:00

The real cause is unknown and unlike the leg, spider veins of the face are not associated with increased venous pressure. Even though some believe that hormones may play a role, it is more likely that sun exposure and aging may be the culprits.

Where do spider veins on the face usually occur?

2011-02-24T18:57:00.001-08:00

Millions of individuals are affected by the sudden appearance of “star” or spider veins on the face. These small veins may appear as red or bluish blotches anywhere on the face but are most common around the nose and cheeks. Spider veins may not be painful but they are unattractive and undesirable by most women. In the past, there was little that could be done for these unsightly veins except to apply massive amounts of expensive camouflage creams. However, today lasers can get rid of facial spider veins in no time at all- but this is only a temporary solution.

How does one treat perioral dermatitis?

2011-02-16T09:11:00.003-08:00

The treatment of Perioral dermatitis requires discontinuation of all topical steroidal creams and facial skincare products, including moisturizers. Once the creams have been stopped, the oral rash may slowly fade over the next few days and then completely disappear. Avoid use of synthetic soaps and fluorinated tooth pastes. Only use non fragrant mild soap for washing your face.

For the most severe cases of Perioral dermatitis, one can use oral antibiotics which may have to be taken for several weeks or months. The best antibiotic for Perioral dermatitis is a tetracycline. However, the antibiotic must be taken for many months to prevent recurrence. Women who are pregnant or are breast feeding should not take tetracyclines and should instead apply a topical antibiotic. In some cases, a short term course of a topical corticosteroid may help relive the itching, redness and burning sensation.

Improvement after Perioral dermatitis takes time. One should be realistic. Most individuals improve in 6-8 weeks. In cases where topical steroids have been used to control symptoms, flare ups are common when the steroids are discontinued.

How common is perioral dermatitis?

2011-02-16T09:11:00.001-08:00

The exact number of women with this disorder is not known because many do not seek treatment. However, data from skin doctors indicates that at least 10-18 percent of women may be suffering from this agonizing skin condition. Perioral dermatitis is seen in women of all cultures and ethnic background. In fact the disorder is most common in highly educated middle class females- who are more likely to use excessive cosmetics on their face.

Unfortunately, despite this awareness women continue to apply cosmetics on the face at an alarming rate. The problem is that even after initial successful treatment, perioral dermatitis recurs in more than 50 percent of women. In the unlucky female, the condition will develop into acne Rosacea which is downright miserable and aesthetically very unpleasant.

How is the diagnosis of perioral dermatitis made?

2011-02-16T09:10:00.003-08:00

Because there are several other skin disorders that can present in a similar fashion, the diagnosis of perioral dermatitis can be difficulty. An astute skin doctor can make the diagnosis based on the clinical exam. There are no blood tests or x-rays required.

In dubious cases, the skin may be scrapped and analyzed underneath a microscope to make sure that it is not due to a fungus. If there is rash on other parts of the body or other organs involved, then ruling out lupus is important

What causes perioral dermatitis?

2011-02-16T09:10:00.001-08:00

No one knows exactly why the condition develops or what triggers it. However, some skin doctors believe that perhaps excessive use topical steroidal creams around the mouth may be one factor. In other cases, frequent use of Inhaled prescription steroidal sprays has also been linked to Perioral dermatitis. There is also evidence that heavy use of facial creams, cosmetics, fragrances and moisturizers may also be associated with perioral dermatitis. The skin rash has also been linked to frequent use of fluorinated tooth pastes and other dental products.

One common skin disorder intricately linked to Perioral dermatitis is Rosacea. Individuals who have Rosacea appear more prone to developing this disorder. Not regularly washing the face with water or soap has also been suggested to induce Perioral dermatitis. In other cases, certain sunscreens, moisturizers, make-up lotions and cream cleansers have been linked to Perioral dermatitis.

Some skin doctors think that Perioral dermatitis may be caused by excessive exposure to sun after application of facial makeup products.

What are typical symptoms of perioral dermatitis?

2011-02-16T09:09:00.003-08:00

A prominent red rash which easily flares up with even minor skin irritation. Even scratching around the mouth can lead to flare up.

The rash often has a scaly texture with numerous small red raised bumps.

Most people do complain of mild itching. In some cases there is a burning sensation which can vary in intensity.

With time the skin around the mouth starts to peel and becomes dry. The symptoms of perioral dermatitis may last a few days to several weeks and suddenly disappear. The condition is unpredictable; may come and go for several months and even years.

I a 22 year old female and have developed a red itchy burning rash around my mouth. Is this acne?

2011-02-16T09:09:00.001-08:00

Perioral dermatitis is a disorder which is often confused with acne. Perioral dermatitis is a facial rash that almost always occurs in a circular fashion around the mouth. In some cases, the rash may be limited to one side of the mouth. However in severe cases, Perioral dermatitis can even spread all the way to the nose and eyes. Perioral dermatitis is most common in young women. The disorder is rarely seen in men or children.