Embarrassing topic: How do you hide spider veins?

[FINFAN]

O.K. I had the saline injections done a few years ago...seemed to clear up some spots, but now new areas have appeared...BAD new areas, it is SO humiliating...thenk heavens for capri's. but a bathing suit is another matter entirely. I have used the fake spray tan,, but I mean, I have some "roadmaps" in the front of my ankles, behing the knees...it is the worst. Hereditary, my mom has them 3x's as bad as me. ...Anyway, I have actually had little kids ask me if they hurt, see people staring...they are not varicose (thick) but the red/purple thin ones...that just look awful. Our insurance no longer scovers any treatments and since they just re-appeared in different areas anyway, not sure it is a help anyway.
So, if there is ANYONE else who has a trick to hide these monsters...please pm me or post for any other sufferers. I have actaully emailed Oprah to do a show on this..for us silent sufferers...wonder if I'll ever get a response.


Pam

 

[transparant]

No answers...but I feel your pain. Having 6 children has left me with some battle wounds of my own. I'm not battling spider veins so much (I do have very light one's appearing behind my knee's) - but varicous veins are a problem with me. I've used the self tanning and it has helped *disguise* them very slightly.

I would love to hear any other suggestions as well.

 

[llij]

I would love some tips as well! I had the saline injections about 6 years ago and they did nothing to help. I've heard that laser therapy is all I can do, but I can't afford that.

As I get older the "road maps" are getting worse and my kids keep asking me if they are painful. They look so bad!

I hope that someone has some good tips out there!

 

[FINFAN]

Just 3 of us? This is why I am SO self- consious! EVERYONE else is walking around with legs they can show off. Yes, I am green with envy. If anyone has any help and wants to remain confidential, PLEASE send pm's to us..it really is a difficult thing to deal with...not only cosmetically but swelling, pain, the valves in my arteries do not open upward wide enough to allow full blood flow/circulation, so it "pools" thus causing stress on the veins. I ahve been to no less than 5 physicians/surgeons, and I have long ago used up my insurance coverage for this....even tho it has been evaluated as necessary treatment due to blood clot issues, pain and numbness.
Thanks to any who can help.


Pam

 

[ADisneygirl]

Have you tried under eye concealer? The self tanners might stay on in the water. I too have a few of these unsightly spider veins in my thighs and I only care about them when it is time to get into a bathing suit. I admit I haven't tried anything myself to really conceal them unless you count a pair of pants! I just keep telling myself that I am certainly not the worst looking person in a suit and that most if not all the other vacationers couldn't care less about my veins.

 

[poohluvrs]

My SIL had them sucked out via surgery - she said b/c the pain was unbearable, I say vanity got the best of her.

Im starting to get them, but w/2 kids dont care!

 

[mudnuri]

Heredity! Got em and have had em since i was in my late teens- both spider and nasty puffy blue ones.

Here's where vanity comes in- I tan....Tends to make them less noticable. Also, during the winter months i wear support hose as often as I can- which helps keep them from getting any worse.

I was thinking about the saline injections- my aunt had it done and worked great for her.

The thing I try to remember is- my legs dont look as bad as my great aunts- whose never had kids....and I'm 30 and have 2...so I'll deal with them!

besides- could be worse- it could be cellulite!

Brandy

 

[Disney Ella]

I've got them too! I first noticed them after I was pregnant. I didn't get stretch marks, which I wouldn't have minded, since I'm way past the bikini wearing phase, but I've got these ugly spider veins. Lately, more of them have popped out. Sounds like saline solution is a waste of time. How much does laser cost?

 

[FINFAN]

My consult for laser was about $6200 based on number of treatments..that is un-insured. I know I can do payments, but that is 1/2 of DD's first year of college..and I do have pain, numbness, fatigue, swelling, and as much as I would like to think that under eye cover up would work, as the veins are all over my legs...they are worse from the knees down...so other than the bohemian style skirts...no way to hide them with make-up. Besides, since
I had the injections...(which felt like bee stings by the way, 20 or so at a treatment) I'm somewhat sceptical of the laser. I guess the self-tanner is still my best option...and to have a positive outlook. Funny thing is, for years I didn't let it bother me, it wasn't until others started commenting that I became so freaked out...that and the embarrassment years back when I was volunteering for my sons first grade class, was sittingin one of those timy chairs, and myleg had gone numb when I stood up and I stumbled, and DS'S classmates all laughed (as 1st graders will) but DS was so upset that kids were laughing at his mom, and then teasing him that I couldn't get up from a chair...just stuff like that. I LOVE summer and warm weather, would never let this hold me back from participating, but I do find it ruining how good a time I have. DD has asked if she is doomed to get them...she is built like my DH's side...so far not a mark on her thin muscular legs, but she is only 15, however it breaks my heart for her to worry...she says no guy will date her if she has "old lady" legs..followed up w/a "no offense mom"..none taken...I hate 'em too.

 

[Christine]

Sorry, I don't have any ideas for that would be good. My mom has these terribly and she is awfully self conscious about them and refused to wear shorts for years. Now that she is 62, I think she has kind of gotten over the 'vanity' part and will wear shorts, but it's tough when you are young.

I have a few spots of them here and there that I've had since I was a teen. I could probably benefit from the saline since I don't have many.

Anyway, a long time ago, I had heard that many people used Dermablend makeup on them. This is the makeup that people use who have port wine stains and other disfiguring marks on them. It would probably work but it seems kind of tough to wear makeup on your legs. I'd be worried about getting it on the furniture and stuff.

 

[Disney Ella]

My consult for laser was about $6200 based on number of treatments..that is un-insured.

$6200! I guess I'll just live with my ugly spider veins then.

I'm sorry to hear that people made you feel bad about your veins. Wish there was an easy and cheap solution for all of us!

 

[CathrynRose]

Just 3 of us? This is why I am SO self- consious! EVERYONE else is walking around with legs they can show off.

I may not have spider veins, but I sure as heck aint walking around with legs to sure off!!!

Have you ever tried "Derma Blend" cosmetics. The stuff is seriously fabulous. It's waterproof too.

Ive used it to cover my ankle tattoo at a job they would not allow them, and it sincerly works.

I may have a bottle left at home - if you PM me, and I still have it - I can send it to you. I no longer work there - and really have no use for it.

This way, if you DO like it - you can buy some with out knowing how well it works - especially since it's kinda pricey: http://www.dermablend.com/index.aspx

 

[Christine]

They also carry Dermablend at Ulta now.

 

[FINFAN]

thanks so much you guys for the support...CathrynRose...how nice of you to offer the dermablend and the link....looks like a helpful solution, but does it REALLY stay on? You guys say it is waterproof...is it sweat-proof....like for behind the knees? Would I apply sunscreen first and then the dermablend? Does it look obvious? I am talking a lot of leg area here. I happen to have a $25 dollar Ulta gift card...I am going to research it some morw and try calling the vascular surgeon I had my consult with...sigh...I know there are SO many worse problems out there and this is so trivial, but it has become a nightmare to deal with lately.
CR,,,,I will get back to you about the Dermablend, see if it is the right shade etc., you never know if you will need to cover that tatoo again!


Pam

 

[CathrynRose]

thanks so much you guys for the support...CathrynRose...how nice of you to offer the dermablend and the link....looks like a helpful solution, but does it REALLY stay on? You guys say it is waterproof...is it sweat-proof....like for behind the knees? Would I apply sunscreen first and then the dermablend? Does it look obvious? I am talking a lot of leg area here.
CR,,,,I will get back to you about the Dermablend, see if it is the right shade etc., you never know if you will need to cover that tatoo again!


Pam

It covers amazing and it seriously stays on you - cuz when I would wash my hands after applying to my tattoo, it would be stuck, and the water would just roll off it. Then I'd have to go back and scrub again. And when I showered, and had to get it off my leg, I'd have to use a poofy like a mad women.... I think the tattoo began fading, but the Dermablend stayed put!! If I went to bed with it on, it didnt get on my sheets, and was still there in the morning.... It honestly is good stuff.

I mean, if youre sweating like crazy, rubbing your legs all over the furniture, it may smudge, but seriously normal use - it sticks (check out this link: http://makeupalley.com/product/show...Dermablend_Leg_&_Body_Creme/Dermablend/Crème/ )

It may not be the right shade (Ill have to check color again, tonight when Im home) But again - since the stuff is pricey - you can just see if it works for you...stays on, covers, etc - before you go buy it, even if it isnt the right shade - Know what I mean? It's thick stuff - you have to work fast, and apply in "layers" - not just glob it on.... better to play with free stuff, before you purchase your shade!

Just let me know if you want it .....

 

[DMickey28]

I am starting to get them. Not the varicous vein but the spider ones. There are some varicous starting to pop out around the back of my knees but not too bad. The spider ones are horrible and they are on my upper thighs on the outsides. One leg is much worse than the other. My mom had them too... she just recently had surgery on them a few months ago. Much better now but they hurt.

I think excercise has a lot to do with it. My mom was a retail manager and on her feet all the time. I sit now for my job but used to be a restaurant manager. I keep telling myself it's another reason to get into excercise but that doesn't seem to help!!