Three Unexpected Places that Can Develop Unattractive Spider Veins

Spider veins are most common in the legs and thighs but can develop in some unexpected places. Telangiectasia, the medical term for spider veins, are small, thin blue blood vessels that can be seen under the skin. Spider veins can develop in some unexpected places like the face, hands and feet.

While it may be unsightly, it is normal. These veins are usually harmless and are more of a cosmetic nuisance. The good news is that there is treatment, called sclerotherapy, to diminish the protrusion of the veins.

Causes of Spider Veins

Normally these tiny veins are invisible, but in some people they expand and show through the skin. Pin-pointing the exact cause is difficult, but there could be many contributing factors including poor circulation, heredity or hormonal fluctuations which is more prevalent in women.

Spider Veins on Face

Spider veins, also commonly referred to as “thread veins,” can appear anywhere, even in facial veins. Usually, they’re found around the nose, cheeks or under the eyes. Skin diseases such as rosacea and eczema can cause spider veins on the face; the irritation adds pressure to the veins, causing them to become more visible.

Free radicals from too much sun exposure may also be a contributing factor to spider veins on the face. Smoking can damage arteries and veins, and also causes premature aging which can make spider veins more prominent.

Spider Veins in Hands

The underlying cause of prominent veins in the hands is the aging process. As the hand becomes older, it has less fatty tissue which leads to less elasticity and thinning skin over the delicate bones on the hand. This causes the hand veins to become more apparent under the skin and also as they ride over the bones.

This is very common and cannot be avoided. The veins will become more prominent over time, but the sooner they are treated, the more effective and less complicated the treatment will be.

Spider Veins in Feet

Spider veins can develop in the feet just like other parts of the body. If spider veins are not reduced, they could develop into varicose veins which are enlarged, twisted veins that frequently develop in the feet. For many, they are simply a cosmetic concern, but for others, the veins can cause aching pain and discomfort and potentially indicate more serious circulatory problems.

According to the American College of Phlebology, up to 50 percent of American women have varicose veins or a related venous disorder. The good news is that there is effective, non-invasive therapy that will help treat spider veins and varicose veins.

At Vein Clinics of America’s state-of-the-art facilities, physicians provide diagnosis and treatment of both medical and cosmetic venous issues. Importantly, we place a priority on patient comfort. We use the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques to treat spider veins and varicose veins, with an emphasis on the prevention of pain.