Where Do Spider Veins Come From? Looking at Risk Factors
Spider veins are extremely common. Researchers suggest that most adults will develop them at some point during their lifetime. However, certain factors can increase your risk for developing spider veins, which can be helpful to know if your goal is to avoid them.
Here’s a look at common spider vein risk factors, and how to request an appointment with The Vein Institute of Hunterdon if you’d like to learn more about your treatment options.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are thin, tiny, damaged blood vessels that can be seen just under the skin on the legs. These veins branch out in different directions to resemble the body of a spider and are often blue, purple or red in color.
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins do not typically cause pain or discomfort, but they can be aesthetically unpleasant to those who are living with them.
What Causes Spider Veins?
These veins develop when the valves inside tiny blood vessels under the skin weaken, which causes the veins to expand. Spider veins may be caused by hormonal changes or by an injury or trauma to the legs that damages your veins.
Who Is at Risk for Spider Veins?
Anyone can develop spider veins, though they are more common in women than in men. You may also be more prone to developing spider veins as you grow older.
Other common spider vein risk factors include:
- Obesity and excess weight
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Family history of spider veins
- Pregnancy
- Tobacco use
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Spider veins can be effectively treated using sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that can close damaged veins. The standard treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy.
Cosmetic Sclerotherapy
In cosmetic sclerotherapy, a solution called a sclerosant is injected into the damaged veins. The sclerosant causes the veins to harden and collapse, and blood flow is redirected to other veins. Over time, the collapsed vein is absorbed by the body and gradually disappears.
Our vein specialists can examine your legs and recommend the best spider vein treatment based on the location of your veins.
If you have spider veins or varicose veins, contact The Vein Institute of Hunterdon at (908) 788-0066 to request an appointment. We can review your medical history, perform an exam and discuss spider vein treatment options.