Reviewed by Brian R. Robinson, MDSpider veins, also called telangiectasia, are tiny blue, red, or purple veins that often congregate on the thighs, ankles, and calves. They are visible on the surface of skin and can be caused by pregnancy, weight gain, and some medications.
When blood vessels just below the surface of the skin stretch and enlarge, they form bright reddish, purple, or blue spider-like formations. These formations usually occur on the legs, but can occur elsewhere on the body, in places including the face and torso. Spider veins themselves are usually not particularly dangerous or painful, and many people develop a slight sprinkling of spider veins on their upper thighs, particularly as they age or during pregnancy in women. But some of the underlying causes may of spider veins are associated with serious pain, discomfort, and health risks.
Spider veins are the result of vascular insufficiency (insufficient function of the veins), and other, related forms of vascular insufficiency can include varicose veins, incompetent vein valves, congenital venous malformations (flaws in the veins or circulatory system that are present at birth).
Severe spider veins, as well as varicose veins and other vascular insufficiencies, can cause stinging, aching, or burning pain in the legs, as well as a feeling of leg tiredness or bloating. In the case of varicose veins, there is an increased risk of blood clots, arterial leakage, and other complications. In more severe venous insufficiencies, there may be overall changes in the color and texture of the skin nearby, and ulcers that do not heal on their own may result.
In most cases treatment is unnecessary. The condition usually resolves itself in children and may also go away after pregnancy. Increasing circulation by frequent exercise and activity can be helpful in preventing the worsening of spider veins. Compression stockings can also help to keep blood from pooling in areas prone to spider vein formation. In the case of spider veins that are particularly painful or unsightly, laser treatments can be used to remove the veins. A treatment called sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a corrosive foam or liquid called a sclerosant into the affected veins to collapse them so that the body can reabsorb the veins and route blood to healthier pathways, may also be used.
In the case of severe vascular insufficiency, it may be necessary to treat these underlying problems more proactively to prevent ulceration, blood clots, and other complications.
