5 Factors That Increase Your Risk for Spider Veins

Spider veins and varicose veins are visible on the skin's surface. Even if they don't cause symptoms; they often cause self-consciousness due to their unsightly appearance.

Knowing your risk for spider veins helps you figure out the best ways to prevent them. At Carolina Vein Institute, Dr. Luan Tran and Dr. Rousu An are aesthetic vein specialists offering a range of treatments and tips to help prevent spider veins.

At Carolina Vein Institute, we have multiple options to treat varicose vein disease.  We have a dedicated nurse sclerotherapist to take care of your spider vein needs.  

Understanding spider veins

Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins, but are still visible on the skin's surface. They often look like small, tangled blood vessels, in various colors. Most spider veins appear blue, red, or purple.

They are clusters of damaged blood vessels that cause blood to pool. The result is tiny discolored clusters that you can see on the skin.

Spider veins usually don't cause symptoms and are typically only a cosmetic concern. However, they could signal a larger circulation issue, which is why it's essential to come in for an evaluation.

Five risk factors for spider veins

Many people are at risk for spider veins, even if they don't know it. Specific jobs and lifestyle habits increase the risk of developing these veins. There are five major risk factors for spider veins, and they include:

1. Standing or sitting for long periods

Sitting at a desk all day or standing in one spot for an extended period can put pressure on leg veins. It causes blood to pool, leading to damage and dilation, and resulting in visible spider veins.

2. BMI greater than 30

Obesity is another major factor in the development of spider veins. Excess weight increases pressure on the veins, especially in the legs, leading to dilation and damage.

3. Injury or trauma

Any injury or trauma to an area prone to spider veins can lead to their development. A broken bone, direct trauma, or even a minor injury can damage blood vessels and cause spider veins.

4. Genetic predisposition

Genetics plays a significant role in the development of spider veins. If a close blood relative has spider veins, you are, unfortunately, more likely to develop them as well.

5. Use of hormones

Hormones are another factor in spider vein formation. Women who are pregnant or taking hormonal birth control are more likely to develop spider veins due to increased blood volume and an increase in estrogen and progesterone.

Lifestyle tips to prevent spider veins

If you have any of the above risk factors, it's essential to know how to prevent spider veins. We offer the following tips to keep your veins healthy and to avoid damage:

• Get up and move around often
• Control your weight
• Utilize compression stockings for circulation
• Exercise regularly
• Elevate your legs to heart level
• Move your legs around while sitting to promote circulation

Unfortunately, if you have a genetic disposition, there's not much that you can do to change your genes. But with lifestyle modifications and regular movement, you can decrease the risk of spider vein development.

What if I already have them?

Sometimes, spider veins show up even when you're careful. If you don't like how they look, we offer various procedures to eliminate spider veins and boost your confidence.

Sclerotherapy is a proven treatment to diminish the signs of spider veins. It's minimally invasive and involves injecting a chemical into the affected veins to shut them off.

After a few weeks, the spider veins disappear, showing clear skin and a healthy appearance.

To learn more about our vein procedures, call or message us at one of our conveniently located offices in North Carolina. You may also request a consultation on our website.