You can buy many creams for spider veins at drugstores, health stores, beauty salons, or online. These creams do not work for everyone, but they're a good place to start if you want to try avoiding medical treatments. Pick up a basic vein removal cream and apply it to your nose according to directions. It may help with symptoms. Keep in mind, some people may have reactions to creams. Read the instructions of any cream you purchase and apply it as directed. If you have a negative reaction, stop using the cream. Vitamins A, E, C, and K may help with skin health and reduce the appearance of spider veins. Most drug stores should sell creams containing these vitamins. You can also purchase creams online. Follow the directions on your bottle and see if the creams reduce symptoms. Some people find essential oils reduce spider veins, although more research is needed. Cypress oil in particular helps as it can increase circulation. Mix about 10 to 12 drops of your cypress oil with an ounce of a carrier oil such as olive oil. Rub it on your nose twice a day for several weeks. You may see results.  Some people have bad reactions to essential oils. If you get a rash, skin irritation, or other negative reactions, cease using your oil immediately. Never use essential oils without diluting them first.

Summary: Try commercial creams. Use vitamin-based creams. Try cypress oil.


If your doctor recommends that you exercise as part of a rehabilitation program, you'll probably need to stretch the quadriceps muscles in front of your thighs. Try one of these stretches:  Do the hip flexor stretch by putting one knee on the ground and the other foot in front so the knee is bent. Push your hips forward while you keep your back straight. Hold your ankle and pull the leg behind you toward your back. You should feel a gentle stretching in your quadriceps muscles. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and release it. Once your knee no longer feels painful, start simple exercises to contract and relax your quadriceps. Stand or lay down and pull your knee towards your chest. Hold your knee for 5 seconds before you slowly release it. Do 3 sets of 8 repetitions for each knee. You can eventually work up to holding the knee for 10 seconds. Do 4 sets of 12 repetitions for each knee once you feel comfortable. If you're not comfortable with putting weight on the knee while you exercise, sit down and use the leg extension machine. Extend a single leg with light resistance and try to do 3 sets with 10 repetitions when you start out. Work up to 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions once your knee feels stronger. Stand against a slanted foam roller or board so your heels are raised up at the back. Slowly squat down and then stand up a little quicker. Put your weight on the good knee instead of the knee that's healing. Do 3 squats 10 times a day when you start out. Work your way up to 3 squats 15 times a day.

Summary: Stretch your quadriceps muscles. Begin basic strength training. Use a leg extension machine for more strength training. Do eccentric squats on raised heels.


Respect your spouse’s relationship with their mother, but explain your needs for personal space and autonomy. Make your needs clear, and name specific issues that need to be addressed. Keep your tone positive, and remind your spouse that you don’t blame them for their mother’s actions.  For example, say, “I understand you’re close with your mother, and I don’t want to get in the way of that. However, I need boundaries. It’s not okay for her to come over unannounced or criticize my parenting skills.” Bring up your feelings as soon as possible. You’ll have an easier time handling issues without conflict if you address them sooner rather than later. Let your spouse know that you get how rough it is being in the middle of the conflict. Emphasize that the relationship between you and your spouse is separate from the conflict between you and your mother-in-law. Say, “I get that you’re in a tough position. I don’t want you to feel like you have to choose between me and your family. I love you, and these issues shouldn’t drive a wedge between us.” In addition to explaining your needs, ask your spouse how they envision their mother’s role in your lives and how best to deal with the issues you are facing with them. Work with them to find middle ground that satisfies you both.  For example, your spouse might not mind if she pops in unannounced, and wants her to be a close part of your lives. You could have her over for weekly dinners to satisfy your spouse’s needs, and require her to call ahead before visiting. Compromise with your partner, but make your needs clear. Tell them, “I’m happy that you’re so close with your parents, and I want to support that. But I’m your partner, and I need your support, too. Maintaining our privacy doesn’t mean you can’t have a close relationship with your mother.” Once you’ve come up with solutions, your spouse should have a talk with their mother alone. Bear in mind it’s your partner’s responsibility to address problems with their parents. If they’re hesitant, explain that they need to take the lead, just as you would if there were an issue with your parents. Say, “You need to be the one to tell your mother to give us some space. If you ever have an issue with my parents, then I’d need to take the lead. Be assertive but respectful. Tell her that we’re not shutting her out, but we need to set boundaries.” From establishing boundaries to handling criticism or disrespect in the moment, your spouse should defend you. Married partners' primary loyalties are to each other.  Make sure that your spouse takes the lead in enforcing boundaries and responds to their mother before you have to. This may be more effective than you saying something. If your mother-in-law puts you down, your spouse should calmly say, “Please don’t insult Sam like that. When you disrespect my spouse, you disrespect me, and it’s not okay.” If your partner doesn't have your back, tell them, “We’re a team, and I’m hurt that you didn’t defend me when your mother insulted me. I don’t want to put you in the middle, but you need to stick up for me.”

Summary: Explain your feelings to your partner. Tell your spouse you understand they’re in a tough position. Work with your spouse to come up with clear boundaries. Ask your spouse to have a conversation with their mother on their own. Remind your spouse that they need to have your back.


The cost will depend upon how long you intend to rent the car. Take the on ramp to US-101 N. Take that exit and turn right onto Market Street as you get off the freeway. Follow Market Street east until you get to your downtown destination.
Summary: Board the blue line on the Air Train, until you reach the Rental Car Center Station. Rent a car. Exit the airport heading west, turn right at the fork. Follow the US-101 North until you see the Octavia/Fell exit.