At Novomed Centers, vein treatment specialists evaluate prominent veins in the hands whilst evaluating other underlying issues that can cause them to look the way they do. For most patients, noticeably bulging hand veins are a normal cosmetic concern and their function is normal and healthy. However, in some less-common cases, bulging hand veins are a symptom of a bigger problem. Some conditions include:
- Varicose Veins
This condition is more common in the legs than on the hands, however, varicose veins appear when vein valves weaken, making them less efficient and can cause various uncomfortable symptoms, and pain.
- Phlebitis
Autoimmune disease, trauma, and infection can cause the veins to be inflamed and to swell.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Bulging hand veins can be the result of a blood clot deep in the veins of the arm.
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis
This condition is an inflammation of a superficial vein (phlebitis) that is caused by a blood clot (thrombus) and can occur due to a vein injury.
Why Do My Hands Look Old?
Hands age faster than any part of the body, therefore; veins can easily give away age. The reasons for wanting to remove hand veins can vary. Patients may be self-conscious about their appearance or they may be concerned it is a sign of a medical problem. Although prominent hands veins are healthy veins that return blood to the heart, some may become bulgy and protrude at the back of the hand due to:
- Ageing
As you age, the skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity, making the veins more visible. With age valves in the veins can weaken and prevent blood from flowing efficiently, enlarging the vein.
- Weight loss or Low Body Fat
Veins can be more visible if there is not enough fat on the hands.
- Hot Weather
In Dubai, the temperatures are high and can make it more difficult for the vein valves to work properly, causing enlarged veins.
- Genetics
If a patient’s family members have bulging veins, there is a chance the patient will have them too.
- Exercise
Blood pressure can rise during exercise, which can push the veins closer to the skin. Heavy lifting at work or in the gym can result in an increase of blood flow and hardening of the muscles, which causes prominent and at times permanent bulging veins.
Treatment Options
- Sclerotherapy
Although occasionally ELVT is used, sclerotherapy is commonly the treatment of choice for hand veins. This procedure involves injecting a liquid or foam solution that closes the veins being treated, causing the blood to reroute through healthier veins. In some cases, the same vein may need to be treated more than once, but sclerotherapy is highly effective if done currently, therefore; ultrasound may be used to deliver the injection with greater accuracy.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
- Minimally invasive treatment with very minimal to no downtime
- Safe procedure with few risks and side effects
- Cost-effective procedure
- Minimal or no pain and discomfort during treatment
- Most patients can return to normal daily routine after the procedure
- Fast procedure (up to one hour only)
- Preparation for treatment is simple (no lotion application or shaving 24 hours before treatment)
