Spider Veins

Many people have spider veins, which look like small, red, blue, or purple veins near the skin's surface. They are typically harmless and do not presage severe medical conditions. Nonetheless, many would like to have them treated, often for cosmetic reasons. If you are concerned about spider veins, Anjan Rau, MD, at Park Slope Medical Office, PC, offers treatments for spider veins. Call the Park Slope, Brooklyn, or Jackson Heights, Queens office today, or use the online booking tool to make an appointment.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are small, thin, red, blue, or purple veins close to the skin's surface. Spider veins can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the legs or face. Spider veins affect slightly more women than men.

What causes spider veins?

The exact cause of spider veins is unknown. Veins have one-way valves that regulate blood flow back to the heart.

If damaged, it can disrupt these valves and the one-way flow. Blood can back up, or even pool, in the veins, weakening the vessel walls and causing the veins to enlarge and distort.

What are the risk factors for spider veins?

Several risk factors increase your chances of developing spider veins, including: 

• Family history
• Sitting or standing for long periods
• Obesity
• Female gender
• Pregnancy
• Advancing age
• Use of hormonal birth control or menopausal hormone therapy
• Previous conditions, like blood clots, which may have damaged valves in the veins

While spider veins may only be a cosmetic issue, you should not ignore them as they may require treatment. See Dr. Rau at Park Slope Medical Office, PC, for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of spider veins?

Spider veins usually appear on the legs or thighs but sometimes on the face, forearms, or hands. Aside from cosmetic issues, there are typically no symptoms, but mild discomfort or burning sensations can occur at the site.  

If symptoms do occur, they may get worse upon standing or sitting for long periods. Symptoms are generally relieved by resting and putting your legs up.

How are spider veins diagnosed?

Dr. Rau starts with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms, risks, and family history. He may order additional tests, like ultrasound or other imaging tests, to check on the health of your veins.

How are spider veins treated?

The treatment goals are to improve the veins' appearance and relieve symptoms. Dr. Rau may recommend a combination of therapies to achieve these goals, including:

Lifestyle changes

Patients are encouraged to consider weight management, increasing physical activity, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods.

Endovascular treatment

These procedures include endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), which uses high-energy lasers to destroy the veins, or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, which injects medication to close the affected veins. 

These are generally same-day outpatient procedures, are well tolerated, and do not have significant side effects or long post-treatment downtimes. 

It is possible that spider veins may reappear, and you may need more than one treatment.

Compression therapy 

This involves using compression socks/stockings or bandages to help relieve pain and discomfort.

If you are troubled by spider veins, call the office or use the online tool to make an appointment at Park Slope Medical Office, PC, for a consultation and to determine the best treatments.