What are Varicose and Spider Veins?

It is estimated that 20% of women and 10% of men suffer from varicose and spider veins worldwide. This translates to tens of millions of people in the United States alone. Whether you desire cosmetic improvement or relief of symptoms associated with leg vein problems, the following information should help you to better understand the condition and the current treatments available.

Veins throughout your body return blood back to your heart. In order to do this efficiently, veins have one-way valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards (reflux). If they fail to close properly, blood will leak through the valves and result in pooling. Over time, this pooling will force the vein walls outward resulting in enlargement and sometimes bulging of the vein. These enlarged veins are telangiectasia (commonly called spider veins) or varicose veins.

Spider veins are small red, purple or bluish veins located just below the surface of the skin. They can have a linear or web-like appearance, hence, the term spider vein. Varicose veins are larger veins located deeper under the skin which are abnormally enlarged. Varicose veins can protrude from the skin surface resulting in a rope-like appearance.


Who Gets Varicose and Spider Veins?

Hereditary factors play the most important role in determining whether you will develop leg vein problems. Women are more likely to have varicose or spider veins. Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy and pregnancy plays a particularly large role in the development or worsening of veins. Other factors that may accelerate the appearance of varicose or spider veins include aging, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, constipation, leg trauma or congenital conditions.


Do Varicose and Spider Veins Cause Symptoms?

Most spider veins are nothing more than a cosmetic nuisance. In some cases, spider veins can be associated with symptoms of itching, burning, or throbbing of your legs. Although varicose veins can also be unattractive, they are often associated with symptoms. The most common symptoms include leg pain, cramps, fatigue, heaviness, swelling, or restlessness. With more severe cases, varicose veins can lead to skin changes resulting in eczema, pigmentation, ulceration, or bleeding.