Summer in the sunshine state means shorts, bathing suits, and cool summer wear. It can be massively frustrating and limiting to have vein issues. It is just too hot out to be wearing long pants all the time.
Sunscreen and Vein Issues
Most of us do wear sunscreen when laying out getting some sun. Wearing sunscreen can deter UVB and UVA rays from doing skin damage, skin aging or stimulating cancer cells. While many are aware of the dark spots or wrinkles the sun may cause but what many don’t think about how sun exposure can egg on spider veins to form on the nose or cause already active vein disease in the body to worsen. With people currently flocking to South West Florida for the end of the beach season, it’s important to be aware of how to protect your skin from the sun whether it’s on the beach or just gardening in the yard.
Does the Sun Cause Varicose and Spider Veins?
This is a complicated answer. The sun can cause spider veins. It cannot cause varicose veins.
Many people believe a good tan will hide the appearance of spider veins, which is true. However, it’s a temporary measure and one that can backfire if you get too much sun, causing even more spider veins to spread.
Varicose veins: On the other hand, varicose veins are never created by the sun. However, veins that are diseased may worsen in hot weather. The sun’s heat can cause the veins to dilate and enlarge causing venous distention. Venous distention is a condition in which veins swell due to being filled with more blood than is needed. An increase in blood and size means swelling and pain.
Spider Veins: The sun breaks down collagen under the skin and in blood vessels right beneath the surface causing spider veins to appear. Sun exposure may also cause veins in your face to do the same, especially in light-skinned individuals.
Is the Sun to Be Avoided?
In general, no. However, after vein removal procedures it is important to protect the skin. Doctors recommend that people who have undergone vein treatment surgery should remain out of the sun anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. Sunshine may cause pigment changes in the skin. Once the doctor clears you to go in the sun, it is important to apply sunscreen to the area to protect the skin.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Get Veins Treated?
The winter months are the ideal time to get skin looking healthy for the summer. Most people don’t think of their veins during the colder months because we wear so much clothing, but it can make life a lot easier to get problems fixed before summer beach weather returns.
Winter Treatment is Ideal:
- Compression hose are often worn before and after varicose vein procedures. These stockings are easier to wear or hide in cooler months.
- Veins can worsen in cold weather months due to lack of activity.
- Veins could require additional treatments, so there is plenty of time to be ready for the warmer weather.
More About Sun Exposure and Veins
If you have concerns about sun exposure on your spider or varicose veins or have any other questions about treatments, schedule an appointment with a vein specialist. If you are in the greater Tampa area, you can schedule a visit with Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center at (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.
The damage done to the circulatory system is most noticeable in the form of surface-level varicose and spider veins. Vein disease often causes pain on top of cosmetic embarrassment, but the true damage and potential for life-threatening issues occur internally. 
That’s right. The health of your veins can be majorly impacted by what you choose to put in your body. Alcohol being one of the very worst offenders when it comes to damaging vein and circulatory health.
Things are hot this summer here in Florida and our clothing choices show it. Tank tops, skirts, bathing suits, shorts, we will adorn nearly anything to keep cool. That poses a problem when you are living with venous insufficiency or vein disease.
Things are downright hot here in Florida this year and our clothing choices show it. Bathing suits, shorts, tank tops, skirts, we will wear nearly anything to keep cool. That becomes a problem when you are living with venous insufficiency or vein disease.
Every person recovers at a slightly different rate. Your own recovery time may vary. This is based on the average experience of all of our patients.
As we age many of us begin to notice small changes in our bodies. If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins or spider veins in their legs you are more likely to develop them as well. Genetics is not the only factor though. Lifestyle also plays a big part.
On the surface, varicose veins might seem like a vanity issue the truth is they are a cosmetic warning sign that something is medically wrong. All varicose veins should be monitored by a Vein Specialist when they begin to present. The sooner you can treat them, the less damage can be done.