What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small, bluish, reddish or purplish shimmering veins that spread out under the skin in a net shape and usually appear on the legs. Spider vein varicose veins are the smallest form of varicose veins. They usually occur on the legs and are harmless. Although they are medically harmless, many people find them cosmetically disturbing. Spider veins develop when the fine venous blood vessels dilate and the blood is no longer transported away optimally. While some people only have spider veins sporadically, others have them over a large area. In addition to genetic factors, hormonal changes, prolonged sitting or standing and weak connective tissue also play a role. In some cases, spider veins can indicate varicose veins.
Where does the term spider veins come from?
The term “spider veins” comes from the appearance of these small, dilated blood vessels. They often form patterns that resemble a spider’s web or tree branches, which is why they are called “spider veins”. Medically, they are known as telangiectasias, derived from the Greek words “telos” (end), “angio” (vessel), and “ectasia” (dilation), which together describe the dilation of small blood vessels near the skin’s surface.
Spider veins: causes and risk factors for spider veins
Spider veins are caused by the dilation of small superficial veins, which then become visible as fine, reddish to bluish veins under the skin. The causes are varied and often a combination of different factors:
- Genetic predisposition: One of the most common causes of spider veins is a hereditary predisposition. If close relatives already have spider veins or other vein problems, there is an increased risk of also developing spider veins.
- Hormonal influences: Hormonal changes also play a major role in the development of spider veins. Pregnancy, taking the contraceptive pill or menopause can affect the vascular walls and promote the formation of spider veins.
- Weak connective tissue: Weak connective tissue can cause the veins to dilate more easily. Women are affected more frequently as their connective tissue is naturally softer than that of men.
- Lack of exercise and prolonged sitting: Standing or sitting for long periods increases the pressure in the leg veins, which can promote the formation of spider veins. Those who do not move much also do not support the natural pumping function of the veins, which transport the blood back to the heart.
- Overweight and increased venous pressure: Being overweight can increase the pressure on the veins. This causes the blood vessels to dilate, which favors the development of spider veins.
- External influences: Strong sunlight, hot baths or large temperature fluctuations put a strain on the fine vessels and can permanently dilate them.
- Venous insufficiency: In some cases, spider veins are the first sign of incipient venous insufficiency. If the blood is no longer transported optimally to the heart, this can lead to congestion in the small vessels, which then dilate permanently. A vein specialist can clarify whether there is a deeper vein problem.
Symptoms Spider veins: recognizing signs and warning signals
Spider veins are generally not painful and rarely cause serious discomfort. Typical spider vein symptoms are:
- Visual symptoms
- Blue, purple or reddish lines: Spider veins often appear as fine, net-like or branched lines on the skin, usually on the legs, sometimes also on the face.
- Changes to the skin surface: The skin may appear uneven in the affected areas.
- Swelling
- In some cases, there may be slight swelling of the affected areas, especially after prolonged standing.
- Aggravation during certain activities
- Standing or sitting for long periods can worsen the symptoms and increase the visibility of spider veins.
Spider veins: when to see a doctor?
Spider veins themselves are generally harmless. However, if symptoms such as pain or swelling increase or the spider veins develop into varicose veins, a medical examination should be carried out.
Aesthetic dermatology and laser medicine at the USZ: your skin in the best hands
If you have aesthetically unpleasant spider veins, our experienced dermatologists will help you to reduce them professionally. We offer laser treatments for the treatment of spider veins if you are suitable. This is a self-pay service.
Spider veins: diagnosis and examinations
Spider veins are usually diagnosed by means of a clinical examination. Your doctor will examine the affected areas of skin and assess the pattern and extent of the dilated blood vessels. In most cases, this visual examination is sufficient to diagnose spider veins. However, if a more serious venous disease such as varicose veins is suspected, a Doppler or color ultrasound examination can be performed. These methods are used to examine the blood flow in the veins and determine whether there are any problems such as poor blood reflux.
Spider veins: prevention, early detection, prognosis
How can I prevent spider veins?
You can prevent spider veins by improving your circulation and strengthening your veins. Regular exercise, especially walking, cycling or swimming, keeps the leg muscles active and promotes blood flow. Hot and cold showers and elevating your legs also relieve the veins. If you sit or stand for a long time, you should occasionally let your feet circle or bounce on your toes to stimulate blood circulation. A balanced diet with plenty of vitamin C and sufficient fluids also contributes to vascular health. Tight clothing and high heels should be avoided as far as possible, as they can restrict blood circulation.
Early detection of spider veins
Early detection of spider veins is usually easy, as they stand out due to their typical appearance: fine, branched, red to blue lines on the legs. Anyone who notices changes to their skin or has a family history of such changes should monitor their skin and veins regularly. If you experience pain, swelling or skin changes, you should consult a specialist to rule out possible venous diseases at an early stage.
Spider veins prognosis
Spider veins are harmless and pose no immediate health risk. However, they can lead to cosmetic impairments. Spider veins that have already developed cannot be removed by exercise or a healthy diet. However, the aesthetic appearance can usually be influenced very satisfactorily with sclerotherapy or laser therapy.
Spider veins: how can vein problems be treated?
The treatment of spider veins depends primarily on the individual severity and symptoms. For most people affected, spider veins are more of a cosmetic problem that can be alleviated by various measures. Nevertheless, the superficial and deep venous system should be examined beforehand using ultrasound diagnostics. An overview of the options for treating spider veins:
Conservative measures for spider veins
By keeping your legs active and supporting them properly, you can reduce the risk of dilated veins. The following measures are particularly effective:
- Compression stockings: These are often recommended to promote blood flow in the veins and relieve symptoms such as swelling and heaviness. Compression stockings support the return of blood to the heart and can prevent the progression of vein problems.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity such as walking, swimming or cycling promotes blood circulation and can reduce the appearance of spider veins. Exercising your leg muscles in particular helps to reduce the pressure on the veins.
- Avoid standing and sitting for long periods: If you stand or sit for long periods of time, you should always take breaks to promote blood circulation – for example by taking short walks or doing simple stretching exercises.
Minimally invasive treatment options for spider veins
There are various minimally invasive treatment options for removing spider veins. The removal of spider veins is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
- Sclerotherapy: In this method, the treating doctor injects a special sclerosing agent into the affected veins, which clogs the blood vessels and thus reduces their appearance. This treatment is particularly effective for smaller spider veins.
- Laser treatment: A laser can be used to close the affected superficial vessels with high-energy laser light. This process is particularly gentle. It is particularly suitable for smaller spider veins and is generally well tolerated.
- Thermal ablation: Spider veins can also be treated well with radio waves. The veins are closed with energy without damaging the surrounding tissue
Who is the right point of contact for spider veins?
If you have spider veins, a specialist in venous diseases, a phlebologist, is the right person to contact. Dermatologists (dermatologists) or vascular surgeons can also assess and treat spider veins. If the spider veins are accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling or heavy legs, an angiologist (vascular specialist) can also be consulted to rule out possible venous insufficiency or deeper circulatory disorders.
