Can You Treat Spider Veins with Tomatoes?

Spider veins are dilated veins that become swollen and can be seen with the naked eye under the skin but you can treat them even though they may cause pain, itching or other discomfort.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Nelton Abdon Ramos Rojas.

Written by Nelton Abdon Ramos Rojas

Last update: 27 May, 2022

It’s common for people to wonder if you can prevent and treat spider veins even though it’s clear that this is possible. Furthermore, it’s also common to hear of remedies and natural treatments to help with this problem.

One of these remedies for treating or reducing spider veins is the application of green and red tomato masks on the skin. This is because, supposedly, tomato seeds have anticoagulant properties that improve blood flow. Therefore, their topical application can help reduce the discomfort of these veins.

Although this may sound simple and, above all, promising, spider veins can NOT be reduced by applying masks, creams, or any other product.

Treating spider veins

Experts at MSD Manual indicate that, although spider veins can’t be cured, it’s possible to mitigate their symptoms by taking some measures, such as:

• Wearing compression stockings
• Putting your feet up for a few minutes, every day or as often as possible

However, experts at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra explain that: “the treatment of spider veins consists of eliminating the veins that are malfunctioning so that the blood returns through those that are functioning well and thus improves venous circulation”.

Depending on the case, your doctor may suggest one type of treatment or another, the use of sclerotherapy (injections into the veins), laser therapy (laser therapy), or surgery (vein stripping).

Patients with venous and lymphatic insufficiency or vascular malformations may be suggested for sclerotherapy treatment with polidocanol microfoam.

In addition to your doctor’s instructions, it’ll be essential for you to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, daily exercise and a good diet will be great allies at all times and it’s advisable to make the most of them.

Recommendations and treatments for spider veins

There are several simple measures you can put into practice to both relieve and prevent spider veins. One of the most effective is doing physical activity every day, as mentioned above because it allows good circulation and minimizes discomfort.

A balanced diet can also offer a lot to your health. It shouldn’t lack the following nutrients we’re going to tell you about.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Our bodies cannot produce this type of healthy fat, so we need to get it through our diet. This nutrient keeps the blood vessels elastic and also possesses an anti-inflammatory action that helps improve blood flow.

Recommended types of food include:

• Seafood
• Nuts
• Flax seeds
• Sunflower and olive oils
• Fish (salmon, sardines, cod)

Selenium

This is a nutrient that prevents the hardening of the body’s major tissues and maintains the flexibility of arterial walls. Furthermore, it’s useful to reduce spider veins if you include certain foods in your diet.

These types of food contain it:

• Cucumbers
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Mushrooms
• Brewer’s yeast

Vitamin E

You need this essential nutrient in your diet as it improves circulation and oxygenation of the blood, which helps prevent clots from forming. It’s found in:

• Dairy products
• Asparagus
• Nuts
• White meat
• Whole grains
• Coconut and olive oil

Although spider veins can’t be cured or treated with green and red tomatoes, there are several treatment options that have proven to be effective. So, if you have any doubts about which one may be right for you, consult a phlebologist.