Hi,

I should start by telling you that I am 20 and live in the UK, and that after working as a labourer and being exposed to the sun last summer I developed spider veins on my nose. I now know what triggers can cause the veins to develop so I avoid them. And, although the progress of the veins has slowed and a lot of people would call my case mild, I am very unhappy with the spider veins that permanently exist on my nose, so I would like to get something done about it.

I have read a lot about the various laser treatments that are now available and sound promising. Photo Derm and Pulsed dye lasers seem to be the most advanced technology in this field. What I would like to know from anyone who has had any kind of experience with such treatments is - are they safe? do they work? will they cause further problems in the future (i.e. will the veins come back worse than before, and is the skin substantially thinned)? and, are there better alternatives to dealing with spider veins?

I would also like to know of anyone who knows about retinaldehyde. As the skin on my nose is thin could such a drug thicken my skin and disguise the dilated vessels? are there any drawbacks to using this treatment?

Any help would be much appreciated, thankyou.