Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are tiny visible vessels or broken capillaries just underneath the skin. They develop most commonly on the face and legs and can cause discomfort as well as have an unsightly appearance. These veins are purple, blue or red and usually appear in three basic shapes: spider or sunburst, linear pattern and branch-like shaped.
Spider veins are common vascular abnormalities, present in up to 30 % of men and 50% of women in the United States.

Spider veins can be identified by examining the skin and will usually form in one of three basic shapes or patterns. 1.) Spider – They may appear in a spider shape (hence the name) with a group of veins extending out from a dark center much like a sunburst. 2.) Linear – They may appear as simple thin linear or reasonably straight lines. 3.) Branch – They may appear as tiny tree-branch like patterns. Linear spider veins are often discovered on the inner knee while spider and branch patterns can occur on the face and leg with regularity.

Spider veins can develop anywhere on the body from a small mostly unnoticed area to a larger area that may be unattractive. Commonly they are seen on the face around the nose, cheeks, and chin. They can also develop on the legs, specifically on the upper thigh, below the knee joint, and around the ankles.

Occasionally, patients may have pain associated with spider viens that may run from a dull, throbbing pain to a larger burning sensation. The larger veins will typically cause more discomfort than the smaller variety.

If spider veins become bothersome, they can be treated with; sclerotherapy (injection of a special solution), the laser, electrodesication, or intense pulsed light. They can disappear or become much smaller and there is about an 80 – 90% chance for a greatly improved appearance.

Spider veins are not the same as varicose veins. Spider veins are not necessary for the body, while varicose veins are necessary. In addition, spider veins are smaller and sometimes less noticeable than varicose veins. Varicose veins, much larger and darker in color, are often painful and can be related to a more serious medical condition. Separate treatment is usually necessary for varicose veins.

Spider veins can occur because of genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, weight gain, prolonged exposure to the sun, repeated and prolonged sitting or standing, minor trauma, contraceptives and the use of certain medications. Spider veins resulting from pregnancy usually disappear three months after delivery. (It is recommended to delay treatment if you decide to breastfeed.)

Spider veins are known to burn, swell, itch and ache. They can be unsightly and interfere with your lifestyle but there are some prevention steps that can be used to reduce the risk of developing spider veins.

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