Just recently I have noticed small spider veins forming on my upper thighs, and I haven't the slightest clue as to how they got there and how to prevent them from getting worse. I don't want cosmetic surgery, but I was wondering if there are any ways to keep them from spreading? Does exercise help, or is this something I can't control?

--Holly

You didn't mention your age, weight, pregnancies, use of oral contraceptives or hormones, what you do for a living, or genetics -- all factors that may play a role. Spider veins are more prominent with age, obesity, use of estrogen in any form (that's why spider and varicose veins are more common in women in the first place), and prolonged standing (those hours in the operating room have trashed my legs!). They also seem to run in families.

Self-care steps you can take include losing weight, if you are overweight; yoga, especially inverted postures like shoulder and head stands; pressure stockings and walking every day. Vitamin C (1,000 mg daily) and vitamin E (400 IU daily) may also help. One herbal suggestion is ginkgo biloba, which expands blood vessels and improves circulation, especially in areas such as the lower legs and feet.