Spider veins are small, squiggly lines that cause a big headache for anyone who has them. They can be unsightly and cause someone to avoid wearing clothing that would reveal these pesky veins on their skin. But how much do you know about spider veins? Read on for seven facts you may not know.
- Spider veins are small, damaged veins that are unsightly but usually not painful or harmful. Most patients want to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
- These most often appear on the surface of the legs or face. Spider veins on the face are usually the result of increased pressure or sun damage that cause tiny blood vessels to burst.
- Spider veins are blue, purple or red in color. They can appear as thin lines, branches or webs, which is how they get their name.
- Spider veins occur when the valves inside veins stop working properly. The veins have the important function of carrying blood back to the heart. To prevent blood from flowing backward, they have a valve that closes once blood passes through. If this valve becomes weak or damaged, the blood may pool inside the vein and cause a bulge that creates the branch appearance we know as spider veins.
- Genetics are a big risk factor for developing spider veins. Nearly 90 percent of people who have spider veins have a family history of spider veins.
- Other risk factors include being a woman, pregnancy, hormones, being overweight, being older or sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you’ve had sun damage or excess pressure in your face from forceful coughing, sneezing or vomiting, you may have spider veins on your face. Previous vein damage or blood clots can also contribute to the formation of spider veins
- Spider veins are not the same as varicose veins, which can appear raised on the skin and are accompanied by pain, itching, bleeding, swelling of the legs or ankles and an achy or heavy feeling in the legs.
To learn more about spider veins and treatment to successfully treat them, call 817.893.2699 to schedule an appointment.