Spider veins are small, damaged blood vessels that appear just beneath the surface of the skin. They are most often red, blue, or purple and tend to look like thin webs or branches.
While they rarely pose a serious health risk, they can be a cosmetic concern for many adults, especially as they spread or become more visible. Anyone can develop them, but some people are more likely to notice them due to specific risk factors.
Let us take a closer look at what increases the chances of developing spider veins, where they typically show up, and how to spot them early.
What Raises Your Risk of Spider Veins
Several key factors make spider veins more likely to appear. Some of these can be managed, while others are simply part of life.
Family History
Genetics plays a major role. If you have a parent or sibling with spider veins, you are more likely to get them, too. Studies show that about 90% of people with spider veins also have a family member with the condition.
Age
As people age, their vein walls and valves weaken. This makes it easier for blood to pool in small vessels, which causes them to stretch and become visible. Most people begin to see these changes between the ages of 30 and 50, but they can appear earlier or later depending on other factors.
Hormonal Shifts
Hormones affect the strength of vein walls. Estrogen, in particular, can make veins more prone to leaking or stretching. That is why spider veins often appear during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause.
Occupation and Daily Habits
Jobs that involve long hours of sitting or standing put pressure on the veins in your legs. Nurses, teachers, stylists, and retail workers often experience this issue. Without regular movement, blood flow slows and vein walls weaken.
Body Weight
Carrying extra weight adds pressure to the leg veins. This strain increases the chance that blood will back up, especially in the smallest vessels near the surface. Even moderate weight gain can have an impact over time.
Other Contributors
A few other factors may raise the chances of developing spider veins, including:
- Smoking
- Sun exposure
- Low-fiber diets
- Wearing tight clothing around the waist or thighs
Previous vein surgery or trauma to the skin can also make them more likely to develop in specific areas.
Where Spider Veins Usually Appear
The most common places to find spider veins are on the legs and face. On the legs, they often appear around the thighs, calves, and ankles. On the face, they typically show up around the nose and cheeks. In some cases, they may also be visible on the chest or hands.
How to Spot Them
Most people notice spider veins visually. They show up as thin, colored lines close to the skin and often form clusters. Some may be flat, while others feel slightly raised. While they are usually painless, a small number of people report burning, itching, or mild cramping after long periods of standing or in hot weather.
If you see changes in your skin or notice new visible lines, it may be time to consider spider vein treatment.
Clearer Skin Starts With the Right Doctor
At North Shore Vein Center, we offer advanced spider vein treatment options using the latest non-surgical technology. Whether your concern is cosmetic or related to comfort, we are here to help you feel better in your own skin. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Schwartz, our board-certified vein specialist, and let us build a treatment plan that works for you.