For those with large or bulging veins on their hands, it may be time to see a doctor. These veins could be a symptom of a larger problem or a cosmetic concern, but it's important to ask a physician who knows the difference.
What Causes Veins in Hands?
Unlike the enlarged veins on your legs, commonly known as varicose veins, large prominent veins on the hands could be a sign of aging. These bulging veins can, however, appear anywhere on the body, particularly your hands. These appear because of the weak valves, unable to pump blood effectively, leading to bulging hand veins.
The following factors might be responsible for causing bulging hand veins:
- Genetics
- Aging
- Heavy exercise
- Weight lifting
- Hot weather
- Low body fat
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Menopause
- Thrombus
- A deep blood clot in the veins (called deep vein thrombosis or DVT).
How to Treat Bulging Veins?
Large veins on your hands or other body parts can be treated in several ways. Before opting for any treatment option, you need to find out the cause of your bulging veins. Consult your healthcare provider to find out the best option for you. Here are some common ways to get rid of these prominent veins on your hands.
Non-Surgical Remedies
Non-surgical treatment options include moisturizing your skin and following hand exercises that help improve or increase the blood flow making your veins less visible. Stretching your wrists is one of the examples of the exercises above.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a process in which a chemical is injected into the bulging veins. The injected chemical irritates your prominent vein causing it to expand. These veins then scar and close off.
Laser Therapy
In this treatment, radio waves or amplified light waves are used to treat your veins. It is also known as endo-venous ablation therapy.
Vein Stripping and Ligation
This treatment involves closing the vein supplying blood to the bulging /prominent veins. During the treatment, you will be anesthetized. Your vein will be cut, tied off, and then removed.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
This procedure involves removing the varicose veins through small incisions. Like vein stripping, this process also requires anesthesia.
If you are diagnosed with an infected, inflamed vein (Phlebitis), you will be prescribed some antibiotic treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs, and warm compressions.
If DVT is responsible for these enlarged veins, a blood thinner or an anticoagulant would be your best option. No matter what the cause of your bulging hand veins is, make sure to consult your healthcare provider to get it diagnosed and treated.
