How Does Vein Disease Occur? Types of Vein Disease Treatment Options If the vein is closed by the treatment, where does the blood go? What can happen if varicose veins aren’t treated? What are the complications of vein treatment? Will insurance cover the treatment? How do I know if I have vein disease? How common is vein disease? Who is susceptible to getting vein disease? Who should not be treated?
What you need to know What Are Varicose Veins? How Do I Know If I Have Varicose Veins? Who Is Affected By Varicose Veins? What Do Varicose Veins Look Like?
What You Need To Know What Are Spider Veins? How Do I Know If I Have Spider Veins? Who Is Affected By Spider Veins? VeinGogh What Do Spider Veins Look Like?
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Spider Veins

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are the thread-like red and purple blood vessels that occur in patches on the legs and face. They are often as delicate as a spider's web, which is how they get their name. The patches also resemble tiny sunbursts, tree branches or just plain lines.

Spider veins (referred to medically as telangiectasias) and varicose veins aren’t the same. Varicose veins are large, swollen and occur singularly on the legs. Spider veins are much more delicate, tend to develop in clusters anywhere on the body, and are caused by irregular bloodflow. They are thought to be induced by hormones and are often associated with pregnancy and menstruation. Although spider veins generally don’t have symptoms, the veins deeper in the skin that feed them may cause discomfort. Women are more likely than men to get spider veins.

Exactly what happens in the body that leads to spider veins isn't certain. But there are several theories on what leads to the abnormal bloodflow that causes them. One theory is that spider veins, which occur near the surface of the skin, are fed by underlying varicose veins that are either too small or too deeply embedded to reach the skin’s surface. These underlying veins disrupt circulation, causing spider veins to appear above them. Another theory is that spider veins are actually little arteries that join the network of veins closest to the surface of the skin. Since arteries are under high pressure and surface veins aren't, the combination of arterial blood and venous blood would cause spider veins to become visible.

Mostly a cosmetic problem, spider veins don’t pose a health threat, though sometimes they're associated with aching and discomfort.

Spider veins usually take on one of three basic patterns:

1. Thin separate lines
2. Tiny branch-like shapes
3. A true spider-like shape radiating outward from a dark center

Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the arborizing (branch- or spider-like) patterns often appear on the outer thigh in the form of a sunburst or cartwheel.