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EXCLUSIVELY DEVOTED & FOCUSED ON VENOUS DISEASE

Tag: spider veins

Those small superficial veins that appear as red, blue, or purple discolorations on your legs, chest, or face do not simply disappear without treatment. That said, not all spider veins are permanent. Some of them, such as those caused by medications or pregnancy may vanish on their own after several weeks.

While spider veins are harmless, they can cause you to feel embarrassed and self-conscious, affecting your social life. Fortunately, an experienced vein specialist can recommend several good options for resolving spider veins, perhaps using laser or VeinGogh.

Do Spider Veins Go Away?

Are there spider veins or other type of problematic veins?

Spider veins mostly appear on the thighs, calves, and ankles. They are hereditary, but can also be related to weight gain, pregnancy, and birth control pills.

That said, there are many problematic veins that look similar to spider veins, such as:

  • Telangiectasias – These dilated capillaries on the surface of the skin mostly appear on the face. Spider veins, on the other hand, mostly affect the feet and legs.
  • Angiomas and hemangiomas – These comprise venules (tiny veins) or arterioles (tiny arteries)

Treating Spider Veins

When seeking treatment for spider veins, you may notice the doctor using the terms telangiectasias and spider veins interchangeably. The specialist will diagnose the veins by examining them.

Spider veins generally don’t require treatment. You may consider the use of support stockings to reduce the size of any visible spider veins and prevent new ones from appearing. For cosmetic reasons, your vein specialist may recommend sclerotherapy or laser treatment.

Learn More About Spider Vein Treatment »

Blood returning to the heart from the feet and legs has to flow upwards against gravity. The calf and thigh muscles help to pump blood up and valves in the veins prevent the backward flow towards the feet.

Venous insufficiency, the root of most vein issues, occurs when your veins dilate (widen and stretch) and the valves are unable to close properly. This reduces the ability of the affected veins to return blood to the heart, causing them to bulge.

Spider Veins vs Varicose Veins

Spider Veins

When the small blood vessels near the surface of your skin dilate, they become visible as tiny red or blue veins on the surface of the skin called spider veins. Some clusters of spider veins can appear like a bruise.

Spider veins are not harmful, and typically form due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, heredity, or injury. However, their appearance can make you self-conscious.

Varicose Veins

When a vein dilates, and the valves cannot effectively close to prevent the backflow of blood, varicose veins start appearing on the skin surface. Pressure from blood backing up in your veins can cause the veins to bulge and appear twisted or ropy. Your leg may also swell and ache, and feel full, heavy, and fatigued.

Any problems that affect the saphenous veins can interfere with the side veins that drain into them, causing the smaller veins to dilate and become varicose. Varicose veins are larger than spider veins, and are usually associated with changes in skin color, bleeding, and ulcers. In some cases, blood in the varicose vein can clot, causing the wall to become inflamed and result in swelling, redness, or sudden pain in the affected area.

What to Do

If varicose veins or spider veins are causing you to feel self-conscious, you should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.