Spider Veins (Telangiectasia): Causes and Treatment

What are spider veins?

Spider veins — medically called telangiectasias — are very small blood vessels just under the skin surface that have become permanently widened. They appear as fine red, blue or purple lines, sometimes branching like a spider's web or a tree, or fanning out like a sunburst. They are less than 1 mm wide and lie flat, so you can see them but not feel them.

They are part of the spectrum of chronic venous disease, classed as C1 in the CEAP system together with slightly larger reticular veins .

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins share many risk factors with varicose veins :

• Family history — the strongest predictor.
• Female hormones — puberty, pregnancy, hormonal contraception and menopause.
• Long hours standing or sitting.
• Ageing — vessel walls lose elasticity.
• Excess weight and an inactive lifestyle.
• Heat and sun exposure , which widen small vessels.
• Minor injury to the skin.

Can spider veins signal a bigger problem?

Yes, sometimes. Clusters of spider veins can be fed by a reticular vein or by reflux in a larger vein below. A cluster on the inner ankle or one that keeps returning may indicate deeper venous disease. If the source is not treated, spider veins tend to reappear after injections. This is why LEDAS checks with duplex ultrasound before planning treatment. Read are spider veins cosmetic or medical?

Do spider veins cause symptoms?

Many people have no symptoms. Others notice mild burning, itching or aching around the area, especially after long standing or in hot weather. If you also feel heaviness, swelling or night cramps, that points to deeper reflux. See varicose vein symptoms .

How are spider veins treated at LEDAS?

LEDAS treats spider veins with sclerotherapy (SCT) :

1. Ultrasound check: Dr. Kim Byoung Joon scans for reticular feeder veins and hidden reflux.
2. Treat the source first, if present: refluxing trunk veins are closed with EVLT, and hidden veins with duplex-guided sclerotherapy .
3. Sclerotherapy: a very fine needle injects a sclerosing agent into the small veins. It irritates the vessel lining so the vein closes and is gradually absorbed.
4. Compression: medical compression stockings help the treated vessels close and fade.
5. Review: results are checked and further sessions planned if needed.

Each injection session takes a few minutes and you can return to normal daily activity right away. No anesthesia is needed.

What to expect after sclerotherapy

• Treated veins may look darker or bruised for a few weeks before fading.
• Small lumps or temporary brown marks along the vein can occur and usually settle over time.
• Walking lightly for 2–4 weeks and wearing stockings as advised helps.
• Some people notice brief chest heaviness or a dry cough after foam injection, which settles quickly.

Most people need more than one session. See how many sclerotherapy sessions do I need?

Can spider veins be prevented?

You cannot change family history, but you can reduce new ones: stay active, avoid long periods standing still, raise your legs when resting, protect your skin from excess heat and sun, and keep a healthy weight.

Spider veins vs reticular veins vs varicose veins

Spider veins – frequently asked questions