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How Effective Is Vitamin K for Spider Veins?

Britt Archer
Britt Archer

Vitamin K is a popular home remedy for such problems as spider veins, stretch marks and bruises, but its effectiveness is not proven by medical research. The basis for the belief that vitamin K for spider veins is an appropriate treatment stems from the fact that it helps the blood to clot. The theory is that a clot would stop the flow of blood to an unsightly spider vein and diminish its appearance. This theory is incorrect because spider veins are not caused by excessive bleeding nor by too little vitamin K in the body.

Spider veins, which frequently can be found on the legs or the face, are blood vessels that can be seen through the skin. They are a common problem, affecting as much as 60 percent of the population. More women than men get spider veins, and the condition increases with age. There are numerous causes of spider veins, including injury and heredity. Contributing factors include hormones, obesity and abdominal pressure from constipation or a tight garment, such as a girdle, among other constrictions. People who have to stand for much of their workday also are at increased risk.

Vitamin K is believed by some people to be effective for osteoporosis.
Vitamin K is believed by some people to be effective for osteoporosis.

Doctors often prescribe special stockings and leg elevation to help ease spider veins and the related varicose veins. Walking is helpful, as is weight loss in the case of overweight patients. There are many vitamin K creams and lotions on the market, but doctors usually do not prescribe vitamin K for spider veins. Too much vitamin K can be harmful for people with kidney and liver problems.

Vitamin K is an at-home remedy that can help treat spider veins, as well as stretch marks.
Vitamin K is an at-home remedy that can help treat spider veins, as well as stretch marks.

People who use vitamin K for spider veins rub it on the skin as a cream or lotion. Vitamin K also is available in pill form. Taking vitamin K orally could cause serious problems, however, because of its clotting properties. It can interact adversely with certain prescription medications, especially blood thinners, and it also can lead to unwanted and dangerous blood clots.

Spider veins are commonly found on the ankles and legs.
Spider veins are commonly found on the ankles and legs.

Vitamin K has been shown to be an effective treatment for some bleeding problems and for a lack of sufficient vitamin K in the body. It is also believed by some people to be effective for osteoporosis, heart disease and high cholesterol. Just as with vitamin K for spider veins, however, more research is necessary to prove these claims.

Discussion Comments

anon943819

How did you apply it sarahGen? Please give me complete details about it.

I have to use it.

serenesurface

@donasmrs-- Vitamin K for spider veins doesn't seem to work for everyone. I'm not sure why.

Are you sure that you're using it correctly? You might want to try a different brand, perhaps the product you're using is not very good. If it has a negligible amount of vitamin K, it might not work. Check the percentage of vitamin K or check if it's one of the first ingredients in the list. If it's at the end of the list, this means that the amount of vitamin K in the cream is negligible.

My vitamin K cream for spider veins is working but it's taking time. I apply it in the morning and in the evening. I don't use a lot, but I make sure to gently massage it in so that my skin absorbs it well. I've read that massaging the cream into skin improves its effectiveness.

Also, I want to mention that vitamin K creams aren't suitable for everyone. People with issues relating to blood clots need to avoid these creams. It's a good idea to ask a doctor first.

donasmrs

@SarahGen-- I've been using vitamin K spider vein cream on my legs for two months. It has done absolutely nothing for me. It helped get rid of a bruise I had on my thigh but the spider veins look the same. I'm disappointed.

SarahGen

I'm using vitamin K cream for fine spider veins on my face, especially my nose and cheeks. The cream is working! I can't say that they're all gone yet but I'm seeing a reduction. There used to be so many on my cheeks but this morning, I only found a few. As a result, the redness on my cheeks is reducing as well. It has only been a few weeks so I'm hoping that my spider veins will be completely gone in several weeks. I have no idea about the effectiveness of vitamin K cream for spider veins on the legs, but I definitely recommend the cream for facial spider veins.

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    • Vitamin K is believed by some people to be effective for osteoporosis.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Vitamin K is believed by some people to be effective for osteoporosis.
    • Vitamin K is an at-home remedy that can help treat spider veins, as well as stretch marks.
      By: Leo Lintang
      Vitamin K is an at-home remedy that can help treat spider veins, as well as stretch marks.
    • Spider veins are commonly found on the ankles and legs.
      By: hriana
      Spider veins are commonly found on the ankles and legs.
    • Consult a physician before taking vitamin K supplements, as they are contraindicated for some patients, including pregnant women.
      By: Nenov Brothers
      Consult a physician before taking vitamin K supplements, as they are contraindicated for some patients, including pregnant women.
    • Doctors will try other treatments aside from vitamin K to treat spider veins.
      By: Creativa
      Doctors will try other treatments aside from vitamin K to treat spider veins.
    • More women than men get spider veins.
      By: Dmitry Lobanov
      More women than men get spider veins.
    • Tight garments like girdles can sometimes contribute to spider veins in women.
      By: venusangel
      Tight garments like girdles can sometimes contribute to spider veins in women.