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There are many simple and easy ways to prevent the onset of varicose veins or to slow that process down:

- Protect your skin from sunburns or prolonged exposures to sunrays, especially on your face. With a 30-50 SPF sunscreen you’ll do the job.

- Stay in shape, physical exercise will maintain and improve your venous system. Walking, and in particular walking half leg into the water (swimming pool or ocean) is perfect.

- Watch your weight. Don’t make your legs carry too much weight, they’ll suffer, on several fronts: veins and joints.

- Try to avoid crossing your legs when you sit. Well, it’s difficult, but it creates undue pressure in your legs. Try to lift up your legs with a pillow when you relax or sleep.

- Try to avoid long periods standing up. If your work dictates standing on your feet, change often your supporting leg. If you are sitting all day, take time to walk to the water fountain every 30 minutes. Same thing if you fly for more than 3 hours, take a little walk, let’s say to the rest rooms. In airplanes, the air is oxygen poor so it worsens venous insufficiency.

- Avoid tight socks or pantyhose that would compress your skin at the elastic band level. Some very sexy venous contention long socks do exist now.

- Load up on fibers in your diet, in particular if you are subject to constipation. (fiber rich foods include: fresh fruits, vegetables, whole cereals, wheat.) 

- Reduce salt consumption (salt helps the onset of edema).

Consult with your doctor, phlebologist (vein specialist) as soon as you see some varicose veins or spider veins on your legs or face.

Key questions before you consult :

Are my varicose veins bigger, more sensitive, warmer (when touched) or more red in the last few weeks?

Are there any redish/ purple areas, small scabs or does it itch by the ankle? Are your feet swollen, sometimes blue and warm? With a heavy sensation ?

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