Spider veins are common, painless, and — for those who have them — unsightly and annoying. These tiny clusters of blue and red veins can appear in many different areas of the body, but they are most often found on the calves, ankles, and thighs. Some people develop them at an early age, while others won’t notice them until years later. The team of dermatologists from the office of Lauren A. Daman, M.D., P.C., in Hartford, CT, are here to explain why you have spider veins and offer some treatment options that can help.

Spider Veins: Causes & Treatments

What Causes Spider Veins?

There are a variety of factors that lead to the development of spider veins, including heredity, weight changes, pregnancy, long periods of sitting or standing, and hormonal changes. According to dermatologists, increased pressure in the veins causes a backup of blood, which can lead to small, dark blue or red clusters — often called a web — of spider veins that appear just underneath the skin. 

What Are The Treatment Options?

While some people may experience swelling or a heavy feeling in the legs, for most, spider veins are primarily a cosmetic issue. There are two main treatments that can help erase these pesky veins:

• Sclerotherapy: Your skin surgeon or dermatologist will inject a solution into the vein, which causes it to collapse, ending the blood flow. In a few weeks, the vein will scar and then disappear. There may be a small bit of hyperpigmentation left behind, but this will fade with time. Most people who try this method see a 50 to 90% improvement within that time frame.
• Laser Treatment: This procedure isn’t quite as common, but it can treat little red veins that are too small for sclerotherapy. A dermatologist uses the laser to send an intense beam of light, which obliterates the spider vein. You may need more than one session, and laser treatments can be combined with sclerotherapy.

If you have spider veins or other bothersome skin conditions, there’s no need to suffer any longer. The team of dermatologists and skin surgeons at the office of Lauren A. Daman, M.D., P.C., will help. To schedule a free consultation, call (860) 246-3533 or visit the website for a full list of skin care treatments.