Spider veins are a common problem in both men and women. They are clusters of tiny red, blue or purple veins that can appear close to the surface of the skin. 

Spider veins are typically found on the legs, ankles and feet, but can also appear on the face and chest. For many people, spider veins are more than just a cosmetic concern; they can also be associated with pain, aching, or burning sensations. While some people may not be bothered by spider veins, others may find them quite problematic. Regardless of how you feel about your spider veins, it's important to understand what causes them and what can be done to treat them.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins are caused by a variety of factors including genetics, hormonal changes during adolescence or pregnancy, medical conditions, exercise, dehydration, obesity, and occupations that require prolonged standing. In some cases, the exact cause of spider veins is unknown.

Spider veins can also be caused by a number of medical factors, including conditions such as varicose veins, blood clots, leg trauma, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Ultimately, the cause of your spider veins is best determined by a doctor or vascular specialist.

How Are Spider Veins Treated?

Although spider veins may be an unwelcome sight to many, there are effective treatments available for them. Depending on the severity of the spider veins, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:

Sclerotherapy

This is the most common treatment for spider veins. During sclerotherapy, a sclerosing solution (saline, hypertonic saline, detergents, or glycerin) is injected directly into the affected vessel. The solution irritates the walls of the blood vessel, causing them to collapse and close. After several treatments, the spider veins will eventually fade away entirely.

Lasers

Laser treatments are also being used to treat spider veins. Lasers use concentrated beams of light to target and destroy veins without harming surrounding tissue. The laser energy causes the veins to slowly fade away over a period of weeks.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and ultimately destroy the veins. During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted into the vein and then used to deliver heat to its walls, causing the vein to collapse.

Spider veins can affect both men and women and can be a source of both physical and emotional discomfort. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available to help reduce the appearance of spider veins. Sclerotherapy, laser treatments, and radiofrequency ablation are all viable options and should be discussed with your doctor. If you're concerned about the appearance of spider veins, it's important to speak to your doctor and find out which treatment options are available to you.