Spider Veins 101

What are spider veins?

Almost everyone has spider veins or will develop them at some point in their lives. Spider veins resemble a tiny dark star with a lot of lines radiating from the center. The shape and size of spider veins vary but most are quite small. It is believed that close to ¾ women and men will have spider veins after the 3rd/4th decade of life. Spider veins are more common in women and can occur on any part of the body. Usually they are found on the face, back of thighs and buttock area. While the exact cause is unknown, spider veins are linked to increased pressure in the veins, obesity, excess sun exposure, and plain bad luck

Are Spider veins harmful?

To get the fact rights. Spider veins are absolutely 100 percent harmless. They are so small that they never ever cause any problems. Any physician or health care professional who claims that spider veins can cause health problems is being dishonest or is ignorant about this disorder and you need to get a new physician. Spider veins are only of a cosmetic concern. Most individuals, esp. women do not like these dark spots because they are obvious and appear unattractive.

There is no cure for spider veins and even with treatment, they can recur again and again. For those who have spider veins in the legs, the best treatment is to wear support hose stockings and try to maintain a reasonable weight

Do spider veins cause pain?

Absolutely not. If you have pain, then the cause is most definitely not from spider veins. Pain , swelling, redness or fever or any other symptoms is never caused by spider veins.

Why do spider veins occur?

The real reason why spider veins occur is not known. Spider veins are very small vessels with very thin walls. Anytime the wall is damaged or the valves inside the vein are damaged, the veins become swollen and conspicuous. Any condition or activity that increases pressure in the veins can then cause spider veins. For example, if one was to gain weight, then spider veins will become prominent just from the increased pressure. Other factors that promote spider veins include prolonged standing, excessive sun exposure, prolonged periods of standing and use of oral contraceptives.