Spider Veins
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasia or sunburst varicosities, are small, thin veins that are close to the surface of the skin. They are red, purple, or blue in color. Most often, spider veins appear on the legs and face, specifically the nose and cheeks. They are not an essential part of the venous system. Spider veins appear in three different patterns: 1. Linear, which are commonly found in the inner knee; 2. Arborizing. This pattern looks like tiny little branches, and they appear on the thigh like a sunburst; 3. Spider, which have a spider/cartwheel shape with a dark central point.
Unlike varicose veins, there are no health risks to having spider veins. They are just considered to be a cosmetic issue.
Fact One
More than 40 million Americans have and suffer from varicose veins.
Fact Two
If both of your parents have varicose veins, you have a 90% chance of developing the disease.
Fact Three
1 out of 2 women and 1 out of 3 men have venous insufficiency issues.
Factors That Contribute To Spider Veins
There are several causes for spider veins. Spider veins emerge from an increased pressure on the veins. Like varicose veins, women are more likely to develop them than men. Other causes include: Genetics, age, hormones, weight gain, certain medications, excessive running, pregnancy, obesity, alcohol abuse, trauma to the skin, and prolonged sitting or standing.
Symptoms Of Spider Veins
- Small red, purple or blue veins
- Flat veins close to the surface, not bulging or raised
- Painless
- Linear, arborizing or spider-like patterns
Treatment Of Spider Veins
People seek treatment for spider veins for mainly cosmetic reasons. There are some rare genetic conditions that can cause spider veins, so you will want to rule those out with your doctor. Overall, spider veins are harmless, just not pleasing to the eye. Since the veins are unsightly, especially when on the face, people look to remove or reduce the appearance of these veins. Dr. Mikhail provides compression therapy and sclerotherapy treatments for his patients living with spider veins.