Spider Veins Specialist

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear on the skin in a web-like pattern. Called telangiectasia, these often appear red, purple, or blue and are most common on the legs and face.

Who gets spider veins?

Up to 60% of adults develop spider veins in their lifetime, and they’re more common in women than men, especially women over age 50.

Certain risk factors give you a predisposition to developing spider veins. Hormonal influences make spider veins more common during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as when you’re taking birth control pills or engaging in hormone replacement therapy. Other contributing factors include:

• Heredity

• Jobs that require long periods of standing

• Obesity

• Constipation

• Smoking

What are the symptoms of spider veins?

In most cases, spider veins have few symptoms other than their web-like appearance on your skin. However, for some people, spider veins can trigger swelling, throbbing, or restless legs. They’ve also been associated with:

• Painful skin sores

• Blood clots

• Rashes

• Itching

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins are caused by either a restriction in circulation — common for those who smoke or are overweight — or result from weak or damaged veins. In these cases, blood flows into your vein, but the vein’s valves don’t allow it to flow back out, restricting the blood and forcing it to stay in the vein.

How are spider veins treated?

Dr. Bushore can use a variety of treatment methods to reduce the appearance of spider veins.

If you’re predisposed to spider veins, Dr. Bushore may suggest several methods of prevention. This may include:

• Wearing support stockings

• Not sitting with your legs crossed

• Moving regularly

• Exercising

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Avoiding high heels

If you’re ready to have your spider veins removed, call Dr. Bushore or schedule your appointment online.