Spider Veins

by Jonathan Calure, M.D.

What are spider veins?

Spider Veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small, narrow veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. They can develop anywhere on the body but most commonly appear on the legs, specifically on the upper thigh, below the knee joint, and around the ankles. Spider veins present as small webs of red, purple or blue clusters or lines disfiguring the skin surface. The larger varicose veins appear as dark blue veins or bulging distended ropes beneath the skin. Spider veins tend to be less than 1 mm in diameter while varicose veins are usually larger in diameter and may bulge from the skins surface.

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins can be caused by a number of factors including hormonal changes, genetic factors, prolonged sitting or standing, and trauma to an area of the skin. Spider veins are caused when there is a backup of blood in your vessels. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart. When we squeeze our leg muscles, our blood is pumped back to the heart from our lower body. Our veins have valves which prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs. If these valves weaken, blood can then leak and pool in one area of the vein. This pooled blood, or backup of blood, causes these vessels to dilate. In spider veins, this occurs near the surface of the skin. Because of the force of gravity and pressure of body weight legs are a primary location for spider veins. Compared to other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart.

What treatment is available?

Spider veins are most effectively treated with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the diseased vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel which causes it to collapse. The vessel is then absorbed by the body over time. Each session lasts 30-60 minutes and is performed in the office by a skilled sclerotherapist. To determine if sclerotherapy is the best treatment option for you, an ultrasound evaluation and consultation with our physician or nurse practicioner is recommended.