We all know that bulging veins on the backs of your hands can make us look a great deal older than we actually are. As we get older, these protruding hand veins become more and more common…and there is very little we can do to prevent them. It is simply a natural side effect of the aging process. And, as the classic adage goes, time waits for no man.
There is some good news, however. The large and unsightly veins that appear at the surface of the hand are far from essential components of the circulatory system. We have far deeper veins within our hands that do more than a sufficient job transporting blood to and from the rest of our bodies. This means that it is extremely safe to treat these veins and restore the skin’s youthful appearance.
What Causes Unsightly Hand Veins?
As we age, our skin loses much of its elasticity and becomes substantially thinner. This natural process results in translucent (semitransparent) skin that allows veins to show through with greater and greater visibility. In addition to the aging process, factors that cause the appearance of bulging hand veins include…
- Exercise – It’s somewhat ironic that, as we strain in the gym to maintain our toned and youthful physique, our hands may only appear older. The increased blood pressure that accompanies physical exertion forces veins to push outward toward the surface of the skin. Although these veins generally recede after the workout is compete, regular exercise will ultimately hinder their recession and cause a permanent bulge.
- Hot weather – You may have noticed that your hand veins become more prominent on hot summer days. Heat tends to enlarge veins and interfere with the functionality of vein valves, which can cause further protrusion. Years of sun damage can also accentuate this protrusion.
Vascular disease – Many diseases and medical conditions can result in bulging hand veins. See a medical professional to ensure that you do not suffer from any of these potentially damaging disorders.
How Can Hand Veins Be Treated?
In the past, physicians had to remove unsightly hand veins through a painful and invasive surgical procedure called ligation (or “vein stripping”). Although this is still an option for particularly pronounced cases, most modern health professionals now treat hand veins with a procedure called sclerotherapy. Minimally-invasive, inexpensive, and virtually risk free, sclerotherapy involves injecting a medical solution directly into protruding veins, causing these veins to collapse and ultimately disappear as they absorb into the body. This hand vein treatment requires no anesthesia, can be completed in roughly 30 minutes with little to no pain, and allows patients to resume daily activities immediately.
For more information about the causes and treatment of unsightly hand veins, speak to a skilled and knowledgeable professional at New Jersey’s Vein & Vascular Institute today.