Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

What are varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging, very twisted, painful, dark purple or blue in color that can be felt beneath the skin, generally larger than 3-mm in diameter. They can be either superficial or deep veins. The superficial veins are near the surface of the skin and are usually swollen and often visible. The deep veins are located near the bones and are surrounded by connective tissue. Varicose veins are found most often on the inside of the calf or thigh, anywhere from the groin to the ankle.

Spider veins are tiny dilated; often red or blue in color, veins, usually less than 1-mm in diameter, located at the surface skin layers. Spider veins look like a tree branch with short jagged lines. Spider veins cannot be felt. Spider veins can be found on both the legs and the face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.

Who suffers with varicose veins and spider veins?

No one is sure what causes the initial malformation, but vulnerable veins may be partially hereditary. Hormones also seem to contribute to the problem, which may account for the fact that as many as 60% of all American women and men suffer from some form of vein disorder, but women are more affected -- up to 50% overall. Pregnancy or obesity can add pressure to the veins, which can also make a good vein turn ugly.

Degrees of varicose veins and spider veins

A varicose or spider vein is usually not required medical treatment. However, serious problems can be developed over time if a severe accumulated blood clot in the veins that prevents the blood from returning to the heart causing the heart from functioning properly. Varicose veins are unattractive and can become quite uncomfortable. Pain and swelling is frequently related to abnormal leg and feet veins. Symptoms, often made worse by prolonged standing, include feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping, and restlessness of the legs. Lastly, because the skin tissue around the severe varicose vein can compromise the nutrition of the skin, sores or skin ulcers may develop of the lower leg.

Additional Resources

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
NHLBI Information Center
1-800-575-WELL (9355)
Internet Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
American Academy of Dermatology
847-330-0230
1-888-462-DERM (3376)
Internet Address: http://www.aad.org
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
847-330-9830
Internet Address: http://www.asds-net.org/
The American College of Phlebology
510-832-7300
Internet Address: http://www.phlebology.org/