Venous Lakes
Venous lakes, though often painless, can be an unwanted presence on your skin. These dilated blood vessels can appear as dark, bluish-spongy spots on your lips, face, or ears. While generally not a cause for alarm, their appearance may be bothersome. Understanding venous lakes and your available treatment options can help you make informed decisions about managing these skin irregularities.
Symptoms of Venous Lakes
Venous lakes are typically characterized by the following symptoms:
Causes of Venous Lakes
Venous lakes are typically caused by the weakening of blood vessels beneath the skin. The exact cause of this weakening is not always clear, but it is primarily attributed to prolonged and repeated exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sun exposure can damage the walls of the blood vessels, leading to their dilation and the formation of venous lakes.
Risk Factors for Venous Lakes
Frequent and prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun is a major risk factor for venous lakes
As you get older, skin and blood vessels may become more susceptible to skin abnormalities, like venous lakes.
Individuals with fair or light skin are more susceptible to developing venous lakes.
Venous lakes appear to be more common in women than in men.
Treatment for Venous Lakes
While venous lakes are typically harmless, some people may choose to have them treated for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort. Common treatments for venous lakes include:
Excel® V+ can target blood vessels within the venous lake, causing them to coagulate and be gradually absorbed by the body.
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FAQs
Venous lakes are usually painless, but they may become tender if touched.
Venous lakes are unlikely to resolve on their own and often require treatment for removal.
Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is the best way to prevent venous lakes. This includes wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors.
