Spider Veins

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are damaged vessels under your skin that are often blue, purple, or red in color and form tree- or spider web-like patterns. While generally harmless, they may cause bothersome symptoms or be undesirable due to aesthetic reasons. 

Treating spider veins can enhance the appearance of your skin — partially in places where spider veins often appear, such as your face or legs.

What are the risk factors for spider veins?

Spider veins are common; risk factors include:

• Being female
• Older age
• Hormone changes
• Genetics
• Trauma
• Injuries
• Connective tissue diseases
• Long periods of standing or sitting
• Smoking
• Spending a lot of time in the sun
• Obesity
• Family history of spider or varicose veins
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal birth control
• Menopause hormone therapy

Sometimes, spider veins are a sign of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which is why routine vascular disease screenings are beneficial. 

Which symptoms can spider veins cause?

Spider veins are characterized by the following symptoms:

• Web-like visible veins on your skin’s surface
• Cramping
• Itching
• Burning
• Tired legs
• Discomfort

However, many people with spider veins don’t have pain or uncomfortable symptoms. If spider veins stem from CVI, you might be at risk of cellulitis, venous stasis ulcers, or other complications.

Varicose veins are similar to spider veins and often develop on the legs, but they’re larger in size.

How are spider veins diagnosed?

Diagnosing spider veins at The Upper East Side Vein Institute involves a discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle, medications, and medical history. You also undergo a physical exam and sometimes additional diagnostic testing — such as a vascular ultrasound.

How are spider veins treated?

The Upper East Side Vein Institute offers the following treatments for spider veins:

• Laser therapy
• Sclerotherapy (injections of chemical solutions)
• VenaSeal™ (closing damaged veins using medical adhesive)
• Asclera injections that treat spider and small varicose veins
• Compression stockings
• Lifestyle changes

You can take home measures to lessen the risk of developing new spider veins, including not standing or sitting for long periods, not wearing tight clothing, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, flexing your ankles and feet, and elevating your legs.

Your vein specialist personalizes a plan that offers the best outcome, whether you have spider veins, varicose veins, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), or a combination of vascular concerns. 

Schedule a spider vein evaluation at The Upper East Side Vein Institute by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.