Spider Veins
Spider veins are small, thin red, blue, or purple veins that show through the skin, often in a web or branch pattern on the legs. They are very common and usually harmless, but some people find them bothersome or notice aching, itching, or burning. VidaVascular evaluates spider veins and offers sclerotherapy to treat them.
Spider veins are often a cosmetic concern, but they can also appear alongside larger vein problems that are not visible on the surface. Understanding what is behind your veins helps you choose the right treatment. This page explains what spider veins are, why they form, and how they are evaluated and treated.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins (telangiectasias) are tiny, widened blood vessels just under the skin, usually less than 1 millimeter across. Slightly larger blue-green veins beneath them are called reticular veins and often feed spider vein clusters (1).
Spider veins are different from varicose veins, which are larger, raised, and bulging, and are usually caused by leaking valves in deeper veins.
What symptoms can spider veins cause?
Many spider veins cause no symptoms. When they do, people may notice:
- Visible red, blue, or purple lines or web-like clusters
- Mild aching or heaviness in the legs
- Itching or burning over the veins
- Symptoms that are worse after long periods of standing
If you also have leg swelling, heaviness, cramping, or bulging veins, there may be an underlying vein problem that should be checked.
What causes spider veins, and who is at risk?
Spider veins develop when small veins near the skin widen. Common contributing factors include:
- Family history
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy
- Older age
- Long periods of standing or sitting
- Extra body weight
- Sun exposure, particularly for spider veins on the face
How are spider veins evaluated?
Spider veins are usually diagnosed by looking at the skin during a physical exam. If you have symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, or bulging veins, your provider may recommend a duplex ultrasound to check for venous reflux in deeper veins. Treating an underlying reflux problem first can help surface treatments work better (2).
What are the treatment options for spider veins?
Treatment is optional for most people and depends on your symptoms and goals:
- Sclerotherapy, in which a medicine (such as polidocanol or sodium tetradecyl sulfate) is injected through a very fine needle to close the vein so it fades over time
- Compression stockings, which may ease symptoms and are often worn after sclerotherapy
- Treatment of underlying reflux, such as endovenous ablation, when ultrasound shows a deeper vein problem
Most people need more than one sclerotherapy session for the best result, and side effects such as bruising or temporary skin darkening can occur. Our team will explain what to expect.
When to seek prompt care
Contact a doctor promptly, or go to an emergency room, if you have any of the following:
- Sudden swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in one leg
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
- A vein that bleeds and does not stop with firm pressure and leg elevation
Why see VidaVascular for spider veins?
Whether spider veins bother you because of how they look or how they feel, you deserve a clear plan. At VidaVascular, your evaluation is guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team. We check for underlying vein problems when your symptoms suggest them, explain your options in plain language, and set realistic expectations for treatment.
Care is available at our offices in Oxon Hill, MD, Springfield, VA, and White Plains, MD.
Your VidaVascular Care Team
Your evaluation and treatment are guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team.
Where to Get Care for Spider Veins
Choose the office that is most convenient for you. All locations share one phone number for scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spider Veins
Are spider veins harmful?
Spider veins on their own are usually harmless. Sometimes they appear along with venous reflux in deeper veins, which can cause swelling, heaviness, and skin changes. If you have those symptoms, an ultrasound can help check for an underlying problem.
Will spider veins come back after treatment?
Treated veins usually fade over several weeks to months. Because the factors that cause spider veins, such as genetics and hormones, remain, new spider veins can form over time. Some people choose occasional touch-up treatments.
Does insurance cover my visit?
VidaVascular accepts most major insurance providers. Coverage varies by plan and procedure, so please call us to confirm whether your specific plan is covered. Insurance information.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (866) 800-2346 or request an appointment online. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, 8 AM to 3 PM.
References
- Lurie, F., Passman, M., Meisner, M., et al. (2020). The 2020 update of the CEAP classification system and reporting standards. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 8(3), 342–352.
- Eberhardt, R. T., & Raffetto, J. D. (2014). Chronic venous insufficiency. Circulation, 130(4), 333–346.
Ready to Talk About Your Spider Veins?
Schedule an evaluation with our team. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you decide what fits your goals.