Sun exposure will not affect the severity of an underlying venous insufficiency or varicose veins. Sun exposure though can make spider veins worse by breaking downcollagen under the skin.
No. Varicose and spider veins are usually benign and may be primarily a cosmetic problem. Severe cases of varicose veins, especially those involving ulcers, typically require treatment.
Vein symptoms worsen during the warmer months of the year. Any vein treatment can be performed during the summer provided that you will avoid direct sun exposure (e.g. sunbathing) for at least 2-3 weeks.
Varicose and spider veins are usually visible, but the underlying cause that is venous insufficiency can only be diagnosed with a Venous Ultrasound.
Always carefully question your vascular surgeon about the safety and side effects for each type of treatment. All medical and surgical interventions carry risks:
Dr. Efthymios (Makis) Avgerinos is a Vascular Surgeon, Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in USA.
Efthymios D. Avgerinos, MD, PhD, FEBVS
Associate Professor of Surgery
Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center Pennsylvania, USA
E-mail: info@vascularhealth.gr
