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How to Get Rid of Veins Showing on the Arms
**Bluish, purple veins that appear on your arms are known as spider or varicose veins 14. Although most common in your legs and ankles, spider and varicose veins can show up on your upper arms due to stretching and enlarging of your veins 14. The increased blood flow as your veins enlarge causes them to become noticeable through the outermost layers of your skin. Although mainly a cosmetic concern, according to CNN Health, these veins are highly treatable and are harmless.
Exercise regularly to shed excess weight that puts pressure on your circulatory system. According to CNN Health, losing weight will remove the unnecessary pressure on your veins, causing them to return to normal. Walking helps to circulate blood through your legs and arms by increasing blood flow. This will help your veins to constrict, fading their appearance on your skin.
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Eat a low sodium and high fiber diet to eliminate risk of swelling, which adds additional pressure to your delicate veins. According to CNN Health, this swelling comes from water retention and constipation, which further stretches your veins and worsens the appearance of spider and varicose veins 14.
Avoid placing too much pressure on your arms by leaning on them. Allow your arms to swing freely at your sides and rest them when you are sitting. Make sure that you have proper support when working on computers and take frequent breaks when working.
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Wear loose fitting clothes that allow your skin to breathe. According to CNN Health, tight clothing applies pressure to your arms and other areas of the body. Avoiding tight clothing will allow your blood to circulate uninterrupted.
Consult your dermatologist regarding sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy uses liquid injections to close the affected veins, stopping blood flow, according to the Office on Women's Health. Reddening at the injection site and discomfort may accompany treatments. Some veins may need repeated treatments before successful vein reduction is experienced.
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References
- Mayo Clinic. (2017). Varicose veins.
- Mayo Clinic. (2018). Deep vein thrombosis.
- Shamma AR, et al. (2007). Laser ablation of unwanted hand veins. DOI:
- Varicose veins. (n.d.).
- Piazza G. Varicose veins. Circulation. 2014;130(7):582-7. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.008331
- Heller JA, Evans NS. Varicose veins. Vasc Med. 2015;20(1):88-90. doi:10.1177/1358863X14566224
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health. Varicose veins and spider veins. Updated March 1, 2019.
- UCLA Gonda Venus Center: Symptoms and Diagnosis of Spider Veins
- WomensHealth.gov: Varicose Veins and Spider Veins Fact Sheet (2012).
Writer Bio
Sharin Griffin has been a freelance writer since 2009, specializing in health-related articles. She has worked in the health-care industry as a certified nursing assistant and medical technician. Griffin's medical expertise encompasses bariatrics and geriatric care, with an emphasis on general medicine. She is completing an associate degree in health-care administration from Axia University.