Cosmetic blemishes can be quite unsightly for many people and can make some feel embarrassed and self-conscious. Not surprisingly, many who begin to notice certain cosmetic blemishes seek treatment to find relief. However, the first step in determining the appropriate course of treatment is to identify the problem and diagnose the condition. varicose veins and stretch marks are two fairly common conditions that women can experience during or after pregnancy, but others can also experience these blemishes.

However, varicose veins can be more than just a blemish. These can cause aching and heavy sensations in the legs, which can make this vein condition a medical problem for some people. Vein types appear bluish or purple in color and are distinguished from spider veins by the bulging appearance of the veins. The bulge is due to pooling of blood in the vein, which is the result of inefficiencies in the valves within the veins that allow blood to flow backwards. They can be quite unsightly and many seek treatment to alleviate their symptoms or to remove or destroy them entirely.

Stretch marks are not a condition of the veins, but appear pink, reddish, or purplish and may be marked on the skin. They can appear on the abdomen, arms, buttocks, thighs, or breasts. They may eventually fade over time and are not a medical problem in and of themselves, but may be indicative of certain medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or other problems. Treatment may be available to reduce their appearance, but may not successfully remove them completely.

Late in pregnancy, many women develop stretch marks because stretching of the skin and certain hormonal causes may play a role in their development. These types of veins can also be present in pregnant women as pregnancy increases the amount of blood in the body, but it can decrease the blood flow from the legs to the pelvic region. This helps support the developing baby, but can cause women to experience varicose veins. Hormonal changes can also play a role in the development of varicose veins during pregnancy.

Fortunately, there are several treatments available to get rid of varicose veins, such as sclerotherapy and laser procedures, such as endovenous laser ablation, although varicose veins can go away on their own without the use of medical treatments or procedures a few months after delivery. .