This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 170,695 times.
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasia, near your nose, while usually harmless, can be a cosmetic concern. They’re caused by aging, sun exposure, rosacea, alcoholism, prolonged steroid use, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, and autoimmune disorders.[1] If you're interested in reducing them, you can try natural treatments like altering your diet and exercise routine. You can also try creams and supplements you can buy at drugstores or online. If at home treatments don't work, talk to a dermatologist and see if medical treatments would work for you. For vein problems in other areas look into options for repairing damaged veins.
Steps
Treating Spider Veins Naturally
-
1Stay hydrated. While the precise effects are unclear, many people swear by water's positive impact on skin. As drinking plenty of water is already good for your health, it can't hurt to up your water intake to improve the health of your skin. Try to drink between 2 to 3 liters (0.53 to 0.79 US gal) of water each day to stay hydrated.[2]
-
2Drink less alcohol. In some cases, spider veins may be caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. If you're a regular drinker, try cutting back or eliminating alcohol from your diet and see if it makes a difference. This may lead to a reduction in spider veins around the nose.[3]Advertisement
-
3Eat more ginger. The evidence on diet's effect on spider veins is limited, but ginger's positive impact is supported by some anecdotal evidence. Foods rich in ginger, especially foods spiced with ginger, have reduced symptoms for some. Try adding ginger to tea and using raw ginger as a spice while cooking.[4]
-
4Drink cold green tea. Patients with similar skin conditions, like rosacea, sometimes benefit from drinking green tea. While evidence is minimal, there is some evidence green tea rejuvenates skin. Try having a cup or 2 of cold green tea a day and see if you get results.
- If you have an allergy to green tea, this method will not work for you.
- Hot beverages may inflame the veins, so avoid them.[5]
-
5Apply an oatmeal mask. Oatmeal masks sometimes help patients with facial redness due to conditions like eczema and rosacea. Some people with veins around their nose find them helpful here as well, although the method has not be scientifically tested. Mix oatmeal and water into a paste and apply it to your nose. Wipe it off when it dries. Repeat this 4 times a week to see if there's a reduction in symptoms.
Trying Creams and Supplements
-
1Try commercial creams. You can buy many creams for spider veins at drugstores, health stores, beauty salons, or online. These creams do not work for everyone, but they're a good place to start if you want to try avoiding medical treatments. Pick up a basic vein removal cream and apply it to your nose according to directions. It may help with symptoms.[6]
- Keep in mind, some people may have reactions to creams. Read the instructions of any cream you purchase and apply it as directed. If you have a negative reaction, stop using the cream.
-
2Use vitamin-based creams. Vitamins A, E, C, and K may help with skin health and reduce the appearance of spider veins. Most drug stores should sell creams containing these vitamins. You can also purchase creams online. Follow the directions on your bottle and see if the creams reduce symptoms.
-
3Try cypress oil. Some people find essential oils reduce spider veins, although more research is needed. Cypress oil in particular helps as it can increase circulation. Mix about 10 to 12 drops of your cypress oil with an ounce of a carrier oil such as olive oil. Rub it on your nose twice a day for several weeks. You may see results.[7]
- Some people have bad reactions to essential oils. If you get a rash, skin irritation, or other negative reactions, cease using your oil immediately.
- Never use essential oils without diluting them first.
Seeking Medical Help
-
1See a dermatologist to determine the cause of your spider veins. Spider veins can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from simple genetics to skin conditions like rosacea. Treatment depends on the cause of your spider veins, so see a dermatologist to determine the cause. They can recommend treatments from there.[8]
- For example, if you're diagnosed with a skin condition such as rosacea, your dermatologist can recommend creams and cleansers to help treat the issue.
- Prescription topical treatments, such as Mirvaso (brimonidine) or Rhofade (oxymetazoline hydrochloride) may be an option.[9]
-
2Get laser treatment. Laser treatment is one of the most common treatments for spider veins around the nose. Laser treatment involves targeting spider veins topically with lasers in a doctor's office. Laser treatments works well for some people, but others find it is ineffective or causes issues like scaring. Talk over the possibility of laser treatment with a doctor or dermatologist to help determine whether it would be effective for you.[10]
-
3Try sclerotherapy. When getting sclerotherapy, a dermatologist will inject chemicals into the veins to produce a blood clot. When the clot is reabsorbed by your body the vein will disappear. This procedure is generally reserved for patients with many spider veins.[11]
-
4Ask a dermatologist about Veinwave. Veinwave is a treatment for spider veins that uses microwaves instead of light to target spider veins. It does come with a slightly reduced risk of side effects in comparison to laser treatment, but it's a new treatment and its long-term effects are unclear. If you're interested in Veinwave, talk to a doctor or dermatologist to determine if it's the best option for you.[12]
- As Veinwave is a new and still relatively untested option, it's best to use this as a last resort if other methods don't work.
Preventing Spider Veins
-
1Use gentle cleansers on your face. Harsh cleansers and exfoliants damage the skin rather than help them. Choose a gentle daily cleanser for your face and avoid using exfoliating products with rough edges, such as crushed apricot shells. Apply a noncomedogenic moisturizer to your face each day. Avoid picking or squeezing pimples or pores, which can lead to spider veins.[13]
-
2Protect your skin from environmental damage. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher each day to protect your skin from sun damage. Avoid going out in the sun during peak hours, and wear long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if you must. Wear a hat and scarf to protect your skin from extreme temperatures and wind burn in the colder months, as well.[14]
-
3Support your liver. A poorly-functioning liver can lead to spider veins. Reduce your alcohol consumption and try taking supplements to support liver health. Such supplements include milk thistle, holy basil, dandelion root, and bupleurum. Consult your doctor before beginning any supplement regimen.[15]
-
4Avoid foods linked to inflammation. This is especially important if you have an autoimmune disorder. Foods to avoid include processed foods (like lunch meat and hot dogs), fast food, sugar, wheat and gluten.
-
5Discuss your medication options with your doctor. If you are on steroids or hormone replacements, an unfortunate side effect may be spider veins. Talk to your doctor about alternative medications you could take. It’s important that you don’t stop taking a prescribed medication, like steroids, before discussing the decision with your doctor.
References
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003284.htm
- ↑ https://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/WaterUNM.html
- ↑ http://www.thrombocyte.com/how-to-get-rid-of-spider-veins/
- ↑ http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-spider-veins/
- ↑ https://www.zwivel.com/blog/broken-capillaries-causes-treatment-and-prevention/
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2006/mar/05/healthandwellbeing
- ↑ https://draxe.com/varicose-veins/
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2006/mar/05/healthandwellbeing
- ↑ https://www.zwivel.com/blog/broken-capillaries-causes-treatment-and-prevention/
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2006/mar/05/healthandwellbeing
- ↑ https://www.medicinenet.com/sclerotherapy/article.htm
- ↑ http://www.healthcentre.org.uk/cosmetic-treatments/thread-veins-nose.html
- ↑ https://www.zwivel.com/blog/broken-capillaries-causes-treatment-and-prevention/
- ↑ https://www.rd.com/health/beauty/erase-and-prevent-broken-capillaries/
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/condition-1356-Liver+disease.aspx
About This Article
You may be able to reduce the appearance of spider veins on your nose using home remedies, but the most effective way to get rid of spider veins is with the help of a dermatologist. If you want to try natural remedies first, try including more ginger in your diet and drinking cold green tea every day. You can also try making a paste with oatmeal and water and applying it to your nose. Wipe it off once it dries, and repeat it 4 times a week. There are also commercial creams for spider veins that you can buy at a drugstore. For the most effective results, talk to your dermatologist about laser treatment or sclerotherapy to get rid of the spider veins. For more information from our Registered Nurse co-author, like how to prevent spider veins, read on.
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Read More...