Moles are extremely common skin growths that can appear virtually anywhere on the body. While most moles are harmless, their appearance can change over time due to several factors including age, genetics, and prolonged exposure to UV rays. Understanding how sunlight affects moles can help people better protect their skin and recognize when changes may require further action to be taken. 

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun plays a crucial role in how moles evolve and develop. Moles form when pigment producing cells called melanocytes grow in clusters. These clusters are responsible for producing melanin. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, UV radiation stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin in order to defend the skin against sun damage. This process can darken moles that already exist on the body and in some cases can contribute to the development of new ones. 

How Prolonged Sun Exposure Changes Moles

Overtime, prolonged exposure to the sun may cause noticeable changes to the mole. For example, a mole that was once brown may become darker in color after extended sun exposure. In the summertime, this darkening effect becomes more noticeable. While temporary changes in color can be normal, significant changes should always be evaluated by a medical professional. Sun exposure can also affect the shape and size of moles. UV rays can damage the DNA within skin cells, including melanocytes. This damage can cause certain moles to grow or change in shape or size, which is why monitoring them and considering mole removal when needed is important. Additionally, people who experience frequent sunburns can have an increased likelihood of developing a greater number of moles in their lifetime, based on research. This is why at a young age, dermatologists emphasize the importance of sun protection. 

How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Protecting the skin from sun damage is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy skin and moles. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, wearing protective clothing like long pants and long sleeves, and limiting time in direct sunlight can significantly reduce UV damage. Regular skin checks also are very important in maintaining the health of the skin. Individuals should become familiar with the moles on their bodies so they can easily recognize if there are any changes over time in size, shape, and color. A helpful guideline that is often used by healthcare professionals is the ABCDE Method: Asymmetry, Irregular Borders, Changes in Color, Diameter Changes, or Evolution in the Mole’s Appearance. 

Practicing sun protection, regularly checking the mole, and seeking medical advice when changes occur can greatly decrease the chances of a mole darkening or new ones forming. Simple habits such as wearing sunscreen regularly and paying attention to changes to the mole can make a great difference in long-term skin health. Being aware of how the sun affects moles allows for those who have them to take proactive steps in protecting their skin. 

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If your vein doctor has recommended **sclerotherapy** for spider veins or small varicose veins, you may be wondering what the treatment involves and what results to expect. Sclerotherapy has been widely used for decades and is considered the *gold standard* for eliminating unsightly spider veins. Safe, effective, and minimally invasive, this procedure has helped countless people restore smoother, healthier-looking legs. 

Here are four key facts to know before beginning sclerotherapy treatment.

1. Sclerotherapy is a Quick and Simple Procedure 

Unlike surgical vein treatments, sclerotherapy is performed in-office and usually takes less than 15 minutes. Most patients are surprised by how fast and straightforward the process is.

During treatment, you will lie comfortably on an exam table with your legs slightly elevated. The doctor prepares a medicated microfoam solution, which is injected directly into the affected veins using a fine needle. The solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the closed vein is absorbed by the body and fades from view.

Some patients notice their spider veins disappear almost immediately, while for others, results develop gradually over several weeks. Either way, the treatment begins working right away beneath the surface of the skin.

2. Side Effects are Mild and Temporary

Sclerotherapy is **FDA-approved** and has an excellent safety record. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Most people experience only mild, short-lived effects such as slight stinging or cramping during the injections.

After treatment, you may notice minor bruising, redness, or tenderness around the injection site. These usually fade within a few days. In rare cases, mild skin discoloration may last for several weeks or months, but it typically resolves on its own.

Compared to surgical options, the side effects of sclerotherapy are minimal, making it one of the most patient-friendly vein treatments available.

3. Recovery is Quick and Convenient 

One of the biggest advantages of sclerotherapy is its minimal downtime. You can usually return to work, errands, or other normal activities the same day. In fact, walking shortly after the procedure is encouraged because it helps promote healthy blood circulation and lowers the risk of blood clots. 

Your doctor will likely recommend wearing **compression stockings** for a few days to a week after treatment. These provide gentle pressure to help the treated veins fade more effectively and to discourage the formation of new spider veins.

Although the recovery is short, full cosmetic results take a bit of time. The veins continue to fade gradually, and most patients notice their best results within 4–6 weeks. Winter or early spring is often the best time to schedule treatment so that your legs look their best by summer.

 4. Multiple Sessions May Be Needed 

The number of treatments you’ll need depends on the size, location, and number of spider veins being treated. Many people achieve their goals in just one or two sessions, while others may require a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart.

It’s also important to understand that while sclerotherapy provides long-lasting results, it does not always prevent new spider veins from forming in the future. Lifestyle factors, genetics, or underlying vein disease can cause new veins to appear over time. If larger varicose veins or underlying venous insufficiency are present, your doctor may recommend additional treatments such as **endovenous laser ablation** or **microphlebectomy** to address the root cause.

Is Sclerotherapy Right for You?

Sclerotherapy is a versatile treatment that can address both cosmetic spider veins and smaller varicose veins. It is safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective when performed by a trained vein specialist. 

If you’re considering treatment, the first step is a consultation with a **board-certified vein doctor**. They can evaluate your vein health, rule out more serious underlying issues, and recommend whether sclerotherapy—or another treatment—will best meet your needs.

By choosing professional care instead of at-home remedies or DIY solutions, you can feel confident that your treatment will be safe, effective, and tailored to your unique vein health.

Resources:

thesecretveinclinic.com

Imagine reclining in a chamber for 90 minutes, surrounded by pure oxygen at pressures two to three times higher than those at sea level. This is **hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)**—a long-standing medical treatment now being studied as a possible option for people living with Long COVID.

For John M.\*—a patient who has undergone dozens of HBOT sessions—this therapy offered the first real relief from debilitating symptoms. “At one point after hospitalization, my Long COVID symptoms were so bad that I could barely walk or talk. HBOT was a great tool that really assisted with my recovery,” he shared. John noticed improvements in sleep and fewer heart palpitations, and he hopes further research will expand access for others struggling with the condition.

What is HBOT?

Hyperbaric medicine has been used for decades to treat conditions such as **decompression sickness in divers, carbon monoxide poisoning, and diabetic foot ulcers**. During treatment, patients breathe 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This unique combination of oxygen and pressure allows oxygen to dissolve directly into the bloodstream and reach tissues that normally have limited access.

For Long COVID, the hope is that HBOT can provide similar healing by restoring oxygen to oxygen-starved tissues and reducing persistent inflammation.

Why Might HBOT Help with Long COVID? 

Long COVID patients frequently report crushing fatigue, often linked to muscles’ inability to efficiently extract and use oxygen. HBOT may help by essentially “refueling” the body, flooding tissues with oxygen in a way that normal breathing cannot.

Research also suggests HBOT could reduce **oxidative stress**—a harmful imbalance caused by free radicals that leads to chronic inflammation. In addition, studies indicate HBOT may improve mitochondrial function, reduce inflammatory cytokines, and mobilize stem cells that play a role in tissue repair. Together, these effects could address many of the overlapping problems associated with Long COVID.

What Does the Research Say?

Several small-scale studies have explored HBOT for Long COVID, with encouraging results:

* A **randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 73 patients** found that those receiving 40 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy reported better sleep, attention, energy, and reduced pain. Benefits were still observed one year after treatment.

* Another study showed **improvements in heart function**, with reduced cardiac strain in patients who completed HBOT.

* A smaller trial with 10 patients found significant gains in both fatigue and cognitive performance after 10 treatments.

* Ongoing studies, including one at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, continue to monitor safety and long-term effectiveness.

While these results are promising, researchers stress that larger, more rigorous studies are needed before HBOT can be recommended as a standard treatment.

Challenges and Barriers 

Despite its potential, HBOT faces hurdles. The treatment remains **experimental for Long COVID** and is not covered by insurance. Costs are high—often **around \$60,000 for a six-week course**—making access difficult for most patients.

There are also practical questions: How many sessions are necessary for improvement? Do benefits last long-term? And which Long COVID symptoms respond best? Some patients notice changes after just 10 sessions, while others require 40 or more. Researchers also warn that Long COVID is highly variable, making it difficult to tailor treatment protocols.

Looking Ahead

Experts like Dr. Inderjit Singh of Yale and Dr. Sandra Wainwright of Greenwich Hospital agree that HBOT shows promise but should be considered an **adjunct therapy** alongside rehabilitation, exercise, and nutrition programs.

As Dr. Lisa Sanders of Yale Medicine summarizes: “We know HBOT can deliver high levels of oxygen to tissues in need. If reduced oxygen uptake is at the root of Long COVID fatigue, then perhaps this better delivery system will help at least some patients.”

For now, HBOT offers hope but not certainty. Continued research will be key to determining whether this decades-old therapy can find a new role in easing the burdens of Long COVID.

Resources:

HealMedO2 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy & Wound Care San Diego