Spider Veins

About half of the people over 50 have spider veins, which are visible veins that may resemble a spider’s web. At Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery in Sun City West and Sun City, Arizona, Seth Goodman, DO, Matt Goodman, MD, offer treatments that eliminate bothersome spider veins to restore your skin’s flawless appearance. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are damaged, visible (often purple, red, or blue in appearance) blood vessels under the skin’s surface. They often resemble tree branches or tiny spider webs. While they can form anywhere on your body, spider veins often appear on your face or legs. They’re usually harmless, but you may not like the way they look. Treatment can eliminate spider veins.

Which symptoms can spider veins cause?

Spider veins may cause the following symptoms:

• Blue, red, or purple-colored visible veins
• Cramping
• Fatigued legs
• Burning
• Itching

However, spider veins often don’t cause symptoms, except for the veins being noticeable underneath your skin. They are smaller versions of varicose veins. 

What are the risk factors for spider veins?

Common risk factors for developing spider veins include:

• Being female
• Aging
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Genetic syndromes
• Family history of spider veins
• Hormonal changes
• Connective tissue diseases
• Trauma
• Injuries
• Obesity
• Sitting or standing for long periods
• Pregnancy
• Using hormonal birth control or hormone therapy for menopause
• Crossing your legs when sitting down
• Frequent sun exposure
• Smoking
• Some diseases 

However, the exact cause of spider veins isn’t always clear.

How are spider veins diagnosed?

The Goodman Dermatology experts examine your skin and discuss your symptoms and medical history to determine if you have spider veins and how to best eliminate them. Sometimes further evaluation by vascular specialists may be required.

How are spider veins treated?

Treating spider veins at Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery may involve one or more of the following solutions:

• Sclerotherapy (injection of a chemical solution to close the vein)
• Electrocautery
• Laser treatment
• Regular exercise
• Compression stockings
• Achieving or maintaining a healthy body weight
• Elevating your legs at least twice daily

Sclerotherapy and electrocautery treatments are quick and fairly comfortable treatments (often about 10-30 minutes) that don't require an anesthetic. 

Maintain healthy habits to lessen the risk of developing spider or varicose veins in the future. You might need multiple treatment sessions to maximize your outcome. As treated veins dissolve during the next few weeks, you will notice healthier-looking, even-toned skin.

Don’t live with spider veins that bother you when simple treatments can eliminate them for good. Schedule a dermatology evaluation at Goodman Dermatology by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.