Spider Veins: What They Are and What You Can Do About Them

Spider veins are small, web-like clusters of red, blue or purple veins that appear just beneath the surface of the skin, most often on the legs and face. They affect an estimated 41% of women over age 50, though men develop them too. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are typically flat and do not bulge from the skin, but that does not make them strictly a cosmetic concern.

What causes spider veins?
Spider veins form when the small blood vessels close to the skin's surface weaken, causing blood to pool rather than flow efficiently toward the heart. Several factors can increase your risk.

Genetics play a significant role. According to the Mayo Clinic, family history is one of the strongest predictors of venous disease. Beyond genetics, prolonged sitting or standing puts continuous pressure on the veins in your legs, which is why spider veins are especially common among people who spend long hours at a desk or on their feet. Hormonal changes, including those associated with pregnancy, birth control use and menopause, can also contribute to spider vein development. Other risk factors include sun exposure, excess weight and age.

How do spider veins differ from varicose veins?
Both conditions are forms of venous disease, but they differ in how they look, feel and affect your quality of life.

Spider veins are smaller and closer to the skin's surface. They are usually not raised and may cause mild symptoms such as itching or burning. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are larger, often bulge visibly from the skin, and can cause significant aching, swelling, heaviness and cramping in the legs. Both can stem from damaged or weakened one-way valves inside the veins, which allow blood to flow backward and pool. According to the American Heart Association, healthy vein valves are essential for returning blood efficiently to the heart. When they do not function properly, the entire circulation system in the legs is affected.

What are the treatment options?
The most important thing to know is that spider veins are highly treatable, especially when addressed early.

At MercyOne Iowa Heart Vein Center, the most common treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy. The procedure is minimally invasive, takes less than an hour and does not require general anesthesia. Most patients can return to normal activity the same day.

Lifestyle habits also play a meaningful role in slowing the development of new spider veins. Regular walking keeps blood moving efficiently through the legs. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the veins. Wearing compression stockings provides support to the vein walls, and elevating your legs at the end of the day can help blood return toward the heart.

Why choose MercyOne Iowa Heart Vein Center? 
MercyOne Iowa Heart Vein Center is part of the Iowa Heart Center, one of the most respected cardiovascular programs in the Midwest. Our team of board-certified vein specialists brings extensive expertise that goes beyond cosmetic vein care. We evaluate each patient thoroughly before recommending treatment and offer a range of options tailored to your specific condition and goals.

Our treatments leave minimal scarring and are performed under local anesthesia, and most patients experience very little downtime. You can see real patient results on our Before & After page and hear directly from patients on our Success Stories page.

If you have noticed spider veins and are ready to learn about your options, our team at MercyOne Iowa Heart Vein Center is here to help. Call to schedule a consultation today: 877-413-8346