Nobody wants to see spider veins — those tiny, twisty, red or blue blood vessels — spring up on her legs or face… or anywhere else, for that matter.
To the rescue: Rutin, an antioxidant flavonoid naturally found in buckwheat, citrus fruits, apple peels and black tea. According to Mount Sinai Medical Center dermatologist Karen Burke, MD, PhD, supplementing with 500 mg of rutin daily (continuing indefinitely) helps prevent spider veins, possibly by reducing inflammation.
Taking rutin won’t get rid of existing spider veins — for that, you’ll need treatment from a dermatologist (for instance, injections of a sclerosing solution to close the blood vessels, making them fade away). However, the supplements can lower your risk for recurrence once spider veins have been treated. Rutin supplements are sold over the counter in health-food stores and online. Having recommended rutin to hundreds of adult patients over more than 15 years, Dr. Burke has had no reports of allergic reaction or adverse side effects.
Additional prevention strategy: Heat promotes spider vein formation — so avoid sitting with your legs near a radiator or fireplace. If you want to soak in a hot bath or Jacuzzi, put your legs up on the edge of the tub, out of the water.
