Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias or thread veins, resemble spider webs or tree branches. They occur when damage to blood vessels close to the skin’s surface causes them to widen. Spider veins can appear anywhere but are usually found on the legs and face.
Venous spider veins are raised, appear blue or purple, and measure 1-3 millimeters in diameter. Arterial spider veins are flat, appear red or pink, and measure 0.1-1 millimeter in diameter.
Spider veins are usually harmless to your overall health, but they might indicate severe venous disease, where damaged veins can’t return blood to the heart. Spider veins are not always preventable, but you can reduce your risk.
Males and females can both develop spider veins, but they are more common in people assigned female at birth. Spider veins affect more than half of females.
Other risk factors include general aging, obesity, and working in environments where you sit or stand for long periods. Smoking tobacco, applying steroids to the skin, eating a low-fiber diet, taking female hormones, or having a history of venous thromboembolism can also increase your risk.
People who are pregnant are also at an increased risk of spider veins because pregnancy increases the amount of blood produced and pumped throughout the body. This extra blood causes veins to swell. The growing uterus, or womb, also puts pressure on veins, which can cause spider veins.
The likelihood of developing spider veins is strongly tied to genetics and family history. Research shows that 90% of people with spider veins have had a family history of developing them.
While it is not always possible to prevent spider veins, you can reduce your risk. Methods include establishing healthy lifestyle habits, opting for certain medical procedures, and implementing complementary methods that help improve blood flow in your legs.
Spider veins are primarily diagnosed through a physical exam by a healthcare provider. There are no laboratory tests that diagnose spider veins, but imaging tests may be ordered if chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is suspected.
With CVI, the leg veins become damaged and do not allow the blood to flow back to the heart. The condition can worsen if left undiagnosed and untreated, so healthcare providers may use imaging tests such as:
Changes to your lifestyle can help reduce your risk of spider veins. Habit changes that can help include:
In addition to the above lifestyle changes and tests, some complementary treatment methods reduce your risk of spider veins and CVI. These include:
Certain procedures can help reduce or eliminate the look of spider veins. These include:
If you have concerns about the look of spider veins, speak to your healthcare provider about treatment options and preventative measures you can take.
While spider veins usually present without symptoms, some people may experience burning, pain, cramping, itching, or leg fatigue. See your healthcare provider if these symptoms become uncomfortable, consistent, or painful.
Spider veins are damaged blood vessels under the skin. It is not always possible to prevent spider veins, but treatment options are available to remove or eliminate them.
Taking steps to prevent spider veins from returning after these procedures is key. Wearing compression stockings, exercising regularly, protecting your skin from the sun, and taking frequent movement breaks throughout the day can all help reduce your risk.
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