What are spider veins?

Known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities, spider veins are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it. Family history, pregnancy, weight gain, prolonged sitting or standing and the use of certain medications are some of the factors that increase your risk for developing spider veins.

Spider veins usually take on one of three basic patterns: 1. They may appear as a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point; 2. They may look like tiny branch-like shapes; 3. Or they may appear as thin separate lines. Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the tree-like pattern often appears on the outer thigh in a sunburst or cartwheel distribution.

Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger, usually measuring more than a quarter-inch in diameter, and they are darker in color and have a tendency to bulge. Varicose veins are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. For some patients, sclerotherapy can be used to treat varicose veins, though surgery is often necessary.