The Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Have you ever had a spider crawl down your legs? Are you sure? Because the worst ones are the ones you can't feel and see right away....Spider veins. But something that could be worse are varicose veins.

Since I grew up in the Philippines, I was never expected to get a job while I was studying. My sole responsibility was to study. Now that I am here in Australia, it's a whole new different thing! Kids as young as 14, I think, can work! And being the twenty-one year old that I was two years ago, I was excited to earn some moolah! So I got a casual job in a pharmacy/beauty store which meant 5-8 hours of standing and walking. Exciting at first but when my legs hurt and veins show up, it isn't fun anymore.

Yes, veins. I am pertaining to varicose and spider veins. Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn. These are bulging veins that you can distinctly feel.  Spider veins, on the other hand, are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that also twist and turn. These are most common in thighs, ankles, feet, and sadly, in our faces.

What are the causes of having varicose and spider veins?

• Heredity.
• Occupations that involve a lot of standing, such as nurses, hair stylists, teachers, and factory workers.
• Obesity.
• Hormonal influences during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause.
• The use of birth control pills.
• Postmenopausal hormonal replacement.
• A history of blood clots.
• Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen including tumors, constipation, and externally worn garments like girdles.
• Trauma or injury to the skin
• Previous vein surgery
• Exposure to ultraviolet rays

 Go ahead! Check your legs and even your face if you have any! If you don't, lucky for you!  But if you do, it's never too late!

I've seen a lot on medical procedures for varicose and spider veins like sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency occlusion, surgery, lasers and intense pulse light, etc. But of course, these treatments may be off the budget. So here's what you can do to lessen and prevent having unsightly veins:

• Wear support stockings- These can help in the proper circulation of blood in your legs.
• Change your lifestyle- Observe proper hygiene. Lose weight if you need to(See doctor for this). Exercise! A good walk or run can help improve your blood circulation. 
• Wear the right kind of shoes if you know you'll be standing for ages.
•  If you can, avoid long periods of standing and walking. If you can't, make sure to elevate your legs at or above the level of your heart.
• One of the natural remedies you can use is distilled witch hazel. This is what I personally use. 

What I do is I soak a cotton pad or cloth id you want with witch hazel and apply it to my legs. It's good because it's soothing and it reduces pain and swelling. A small bottle of this is around AUD 6-7. This is also available in the Philippines according to a friend of mine. Check out Healthy Options! :)

So ladies, always remember that prevention is better than cure. Take care of those beautiful legs!

Tips by Tippy:
- Since I have no medical background, here's a very helpful link if you want to read more on varicose and spider veins.
-It's best to see a doctor if you want to get rid of these veins. But there are natural  remedies you can use. Click here for remedies for spider veins. Click here for remedies for varicose veins.

P.S. I didn't post photos of spider and varicose veins because the photos I saw were too graphic.