Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's SKIN academy(Academy), dermatologist Robert A. Weiss, MD, FAAD, associate professor ofdermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore,addressed common myths about spider veins, varicose veins and cellulite, thelatest treatment options, and how to ensure a safe pedicure.

Spider and Varicose Veins

Spider veins, also referred to as roadmap veins, are very tiny superficialblood vessels that increase in size over time and commonly occur on the legs.Dr. Weiss noted that some people are more susceptible to spider veins,including women and those who have a blood relative with the condition.Spider veins also are common in workers who stand regularly in their jobs-- such as nurses, cashiers or hair stylists -- as standing increases thevenous pressure in the legs and can cause the veins to stretch.

Although some spider vein suffers may mistakenly believe tanning theirlegs can help mask their condition, Dr. Weiss warned that excess sun exposureactually can cause spider veins. Harmful ultraviolet light breaks downcollagen -- which composes the walls of spider veins -- and can cause thinningand spreading of the veins.

"There are many common myths about spider veins, so it is important forpatients to consult their dermatologist for the best advice on how to minimizetheir risk of developing the condition and how to treat it," said Dr. Weiss.

Dr. Weiss set the record straight on the following myths about spiderveins:

Myth: Crossing your legs causes spider veins. Dr. Weiss: "Everyone atsome point crosses their legs, and not everyone develops spider veins. Thiscommon myth has no truth to it."

Myth: Gaining a lot of weight causes spider veins. Dr. Weiss: "Whenpeople lose weight, they actually may be more prone to spider veins, as weightloss causes the skin to deflate and reveal what is underneath. Fat under theskin actually helps mask spider veins."

Myth: Vitamin supplements that contain horse chestnut extract preventspider veins. Dr. Weiss: "There is no truth that any vitamin supplements canprevent spider veins. The fact is that heredity accounts for 80 percent ofpeople who develop spider veins."

"Even with the advent of lasers, sclerotherapy is still considered thegold standard in treating spider veins," said Dr. Weiss. He explained thatsclerotherapy is the most efficient treatment because large areas of the veinscan be treated with hair-thin needles. "One sclerotherapy injection can covera very large area of veins, whereas with a laser you have to cover this samearea dot by dot," said Dr. Weiss. Newer sclerosing solutions that haverecently been introduced make the procedure more comfortable for patients andvirtually eliminate any stinging or pain during the procedure.

Varicose veins are larger, dilated blood vessels that can be raised abovethe skin's surface and have a rope-like appearance. While Dr. Weiss notedthat many of the same myths for spider veins apply to varicose veins, the mainmyth relating to varicose veins is that you only need to treat the veins thatare visible on the surface of the leg.

"Most varicose veins stem from a hidden vein trunk beneath the skin'ssurface, that must be treated for any procedure to be successful," said Dr.Weiss. Two of the latest treatments for varicose veins include lasers andradiofrequency. With the laser procedure, tiny laser fibers are delivered tothe vein through a needle puncture that is thread up to the main vein trunkresponsible for these veins. The laser's heat shrinks the vein from theinside, and an ultrasound-guided anesthetic is placed around the vein toreduce discomfort and increase safety during the procedure.

With the new radiofrequency procedure, radiofrequency energy converted toheat is used to collapse the vein, which is then reabsorbed by the body. Theradiofrequency energy is delivered by a simple needle puncture, and Dr. Weissnoted that 95 percent of treatments are successful.

Cellulite

Cellulite, a hormonally based condition unique to women, is caused by aherniation or rupture of fat through the fibrous tissue and the subsequentpulling back of this tissue that creates dimpled areas -- typically on thethighs. A common myth is that liposuction can improve the appearance ofcellulite. Dr. Weiss explained that although liposuction removes excess fat,it can make the appearance of cellulite worse by creating more depressions inthe skin.

Some new remedies being explored to treat cellulite work by softening thefibrous bands and contracting them at the same time, which effectivelytightens up the fibrous bands. One procedure Dr. Weiss is currently studyingin clinical trials involves using a large panel of red and infrared LightEmitting Diodes (LEDs) to emit certain wavelengths known to soften and disruptfat tissue, which causes them to shrink. This procedure is combined withrollers and suctions to soften the fibrous bands that are pulling the skinback in and causing cellulite. In this controlled study, Dr. Weiss istreating 20 patients with the device on one thigh and the other thigh is leftuntreated. Patients receive two to three treatments a week for a period ofthree to four weeks.

Dr. Weiss also is studying the effectiveness of another new laser to meltfat and disrupt the fibrous bands of cellulite. The laser fiber is insertedunder the skin and then stroked back and forth to break up cellulite.

"While we are still tabulating our results from this study, the initialresults I have seen of the treated thighs are very encouraging," said Dr.Weiss. "We're also exploring another technology to improve cellulite usingmono-polar radiofrequency, in which the tip on the device that delivers theenergy is four times larger than the standard tip used for other skinrejuvenation procedures. All of these new technologies have the potential toimprove cellulite more quickly, more effectively and with longer-lastingresults."

Safe Pedicures

Despite their popularity, pedicures can pose serious health risks for nailsalon patrons if proper sanitation is overlooked.

"Every instrument used for a pedicure needs to be sterilized properly toprevent the spread of fungal infections and even potentially seriousantibiotic-resistant staph infections, such as Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, or MRSA," said Dr. Weiss.

In order to ensure a safe pedicure, Dr. Weiss advised consumers to asknail technicians how their instruments are cleaned and to avoid any salonsthat don't appear to be clean. Another option he recommended for people whoregularly get pedicures is to consider buying their own instruments to use atthe salon to minimize their risk of contracting an infection. Foot baths thatare not properly cleaned after each use also can harbor bacteria and fungus,which can cause infections, so consumers should ask if they have beenthoroughly disinfected before they use them.

Another potential hazard of pedicures is smoothing the surface of the nailtoo aggressively with nail files and buffers at the base of the nail, whichcan damage the cuticle.

"It's a common myth that pushing your cuticles back helps keep nailshealthy and helps them grow," said Dr. Weiss. "Actually, the cuticle is thenail's protective barrier, and pushing back on the cuticle can damage it-- increasing your risk of infection."

Utilizing current technology, dermatologists can assist people with manyof their skin and nail concerns below the belt. Dr. Weiss added that the bestway to avoid being misled by myths concerning skin, hair or nails is todiscuss your questions with a dermatologist.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology(Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and mostrepresentative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of morethan 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing thediagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair andnails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and researchin dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime ofhealthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology