Legs often take center stage as people wear shorts, skirts, and bathing suits during summer months. This leads some to readily notice spider veins creating web-like effects on their skin. Although the thread-like lines aren’t harmful, many people choose treatment to eliminate the discoloration they create on the surface of the skin. The guide below is tailored to help you understand why spider veins develop and what can be done about them. 

What Everyone Should Know About Spider Veins

Causes & Risk Factors

Veins are like pipes inside of your body that facilitate the flow of blood to your heart. Once the blood passes through a vein, valves block off the channel to prevent the liquid from changing its course. When valves are damaged, blood will flow backward and settle in pockets.

The buildup causes a bulge in the vein to develop and spread, which is how spider veins develop in legs. This often happens to pregnant women due to the extra flow of blood in the body and the strain carrying a fetus places on the legs. A family history of spider veins can also increase the risk of developing them. 

Some might also form spider veins on their face. The red lines appear when blood vessels rupture. People who spend a lot of time in the sun or in hot weather are at greater risk of developing spider veins on the face, as exposure to heat causes blood vessels to dilate. Excessive alcohol consumption also enlarges the vessels to the point where they could rupture.  

Common Signs of Spider Veins

Although not as painful as varicose veins, spider veins can cause minor discomfort. When touching your skin, the thread-like lines can feel flat or slightly raised. As blood vessels bulge or rupture, lines on the surface of the skin will appear red, purple, or blue. 

Treatment Options to Explore

Doctors can perform cosmetic procedures to restore the look and feel of your legs, face, or any other area where spider veins develop. Laser therapy, for example, is a popular treatment for spider veins. Blood cells absorb the photons that the lasers transmit. This creates heat that causes the vein to shrink and gradually dissolve. 

To prepare for the procedure, stop sunbathing and waxing the area a few weeks before treatment. Don’t take any anti-inflammatory medications in the hours leading up to the procedure, as it will thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding. You can expect the area to be red and sore for a few hours after the procedure. Applying an ice pack to the treated area can minimize pain. 

No matter what stage of life you’re in, you’ll want to look and feel confident in your skin. For treatment to eliminate spider veins, contact Lauren A. Daman, M.D., P.C. in Hartford, CT. The skin surgeon provides laser surgery for spider vein removal as well as an age spot treatment. Find a complete list of procedures online and call (860) 246-3533 for a consultation.