Spider veins are small, flat, damaged veins located just beneath the surface of the skin. While they are not typically painful or harmful, they can sometimes cause stinging, burning or aching.

These unsightly spider veins can be blue, purple or red and may appear in the form of thin lines, webs or branches. They are often the result of tiny blood vessels bursting, increased pressure in the vein or sun damage.

Common spider vein locations

Spider veins are commonly found in the following areas:

1. Thighs
2. Calves
3. Ankles
4. Feet
5. Face

Risk factors for spider veins

Here are a few things that may increase your risk of developing spider veins:

• Genetics
  More than 90 percent of people with spider veins have a family history of them.
• Pregnancy
  Increased blood and extra weight during pregnancy can create excess pressure in the veins, which can increase your risk of spider veins. These may go away after pregnancy, but they may be permanent.
• Being female
  Spider veins are slightly more common in women than men. More than 40 percent of women have some form of venous insufficiency (e.g., spider veins or varicose veins) with increasing incidence as they age.
• Age
  Vein valves naturally weaken over time, which means older people are more likely to develop spider veins.
• Weight
  Extra body weight adds excess pressure on the veins, which can lead to spider veins in the legs and ankles.
• Hormones
  Birth control and hormonal treatments for menopause may increase the risk of spider veins as the estrogen hormone may weaken vein valves.
• Sitting or standing for long periods 
  Sitting or standing in the same place for extended periods of time inhibits circulation because the leg muscles aren’t helping to push the blood back toward the heart. 

The best treatment for spider veins

The skilled physicians at Carolina Vein Clinic recommend sclerotherapy to treat spider veins; it is a minimally invasive medical procedure and is considered the gold standard for spider vein treatment and smaller leg veins. 

While it is often considered a cosmetic procedure, sclerotherapy can help relieve pain and swelling associated with varicose and spider veins. During the procedure, a special sclerosing solution is injected directly into the vein.

To learn more about the five common locations and treatment optionsfor spider veins, call Carolina Vein Clinic at 336-218-8346. We specialize in the treatment of spider veins in the thighs, calves, ankles and feet and want help restore your beautiful, comfortable skin.