Spider veins are smaller, thread-like veins that occur near the surface of the skin and often appear on the legs or face. They can appear as red, purplish, or blue veins and often look like tree branches or spider webs with jagged edges that grow outward. Spider veins can cover a small area, or they can cover a larger area and become quite unsightly. They can also enlarge over time. Some estimate that over half of all adult females will develop spider veins at some point in their life.
The most common cause of spider veins is genetic predisposition. They occur more frequently in women (for instance, in and around a pregnancy). They also may be the result of a traumatic injury. Spider veins on the face may be related to excessive sun exposure.
The most common spider vein treatments are sclerotherapy and to a lesser extent, laser treatment.
Spider veins, once treated, can recur over time. Often this is the result of new spider veins growing in nearby capillaries. If this occurs, additional spider vein treatments may be necessary.