Spider veins are quite common, and anyone can end up with them. However, some people are at a higher risk of developing spider veins than others. These thin, blue, and red veins that resemble spider webs are more common in women than men, and they often show up later in life.
Spider veins are small red and blue-colored veins located just below the skin’s surface. They may not cause you to experience any pain or other issues, but they are often an indication of an underlying condition you may not know about.
Spider veins will vary in color, but you can always see them under the skin’s surface. They are a mild symptom of varicose veins. Aside from their unsightly appearance, they typically do not cause discomfort, though some people have experienced pain with them. Therefore, these veins can vary from merely being a cosmetic issue to seriously affecting an individual’s overall quality of life.
Some individuals may be self-conscious about their spider veins, while others are worried about getting them in the future. If you are curious about what causes spider veins and how to treat them, here are some answers.
The leading cause of spider veins is when healthy feeder veins begin to malfunction. Spider veins often appear in the legs; however, they can also show up on the face or hands. These veins are caused by unhealthy valves inside other veins known as feeder veins. When the valves work as they should, they allow the blood to flow upward toward the heart naturally. But over time, these valves can become worn and damaged due to disease or age. The damaged valves do not work correctly and instead cause the blood to flow backward. It causes the blood to start to pool in the veins, making them appear underneath the skin’s surface.
Men and women of all ages can develop spider veins; however, they are more common with older women. Most people will develop some type of vein issue during their lifetime. Spider veins are often hereditary, which means if your parents or grandparents had them, you are likely to end up with spider veins as well.
Women who become pregnant or anyone who works at a job that requires them to stand or sit for long periods are at a higher risk of developing spider veins.
While spider veins can be an issue, there are quick and usually painless methods that may be used to treat the leading cause. Many people seek spider vein removal treatment only for cosmetic reasons. Others may want to have the veins removed because they are causing pain and discomfort. Regardless of why you have your spider veins checked out, it’s essential to be seen by a specialist. It is likely they are a sign of an underlying vein issue that has yet to be addressed.
Several types of spider vein treatments are available, some of which are minimally invasive and do not require any hospital stays. The treatment will seal off the unhealthy veins with damaged valves and reroute the blood, so it flows naturally through healthy veins.
If you have spider veins and would like to have them removed, the BASS Vein Center team is here to help. Our knowledgeable group of vein specialists can examine the issue and come up with the best possible treatment options to eliminate your spider vein condition. Get in touch with us today at (925) 281-5912 to learn more.
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