No one’s skin is perfect and almost everyone experiences things like discoloration, scars and spider veins at some point. But if developing spider veins isn’t on your to-do list, it’s understandable to find yourself searching for things like “how to prevent spider veins” to do what you can to reduce your risk of this condition.
It is important to note that spider veins are common, are usually painless and do not cause health problems, US Office on Women’s Health (OASH). So, if you happen to develop them, it does not mean that your health will be affected in any way.
Some people are also at a higher risk of developing spider veins simply because of their genetics, according to American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)—which means spider veins might just be in your DNA, and there’s only so much you can do about them.
More than prevention
With all that said, doctors say there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing spider veins and maybe even prevent them. It’s also good to know that there are things you can do to treat spider veins if you happen to develop them.
Again, if you have spider veins and they don’t bother you or you don’t really care if you develop spider veins in the future, just keep doing it. But if you want to reduce the risk of spider veins in your future, here’s what you need to know.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins, also known as thread veins, are twisted veins that are usually red but can appear blue or purple, says OASH. They are smaller than varicose veins, but similar and can look like tree branches or spider webs.
These veins are “visible just below the surface of the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics and professor of dermatology at Howard University and George Washington University. “While spider veins are usually not harmful, they can be a cosmetic concern for some people,” she adds.
Spider veins are superficial blood vessels caused by larger deep veins that have valves inside them that are damaged, allowing blood to flow backwards, explains Susan Massick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
“These are generally harmless—they’re more of a cosmetic concern than a health concern,” says the New York dermatologist. Gary Goldenberg, MD
Where do spider veins usually appear?
Spider veins most commonly appear on the legs or face, says OASH. However, you can technically get them anywhere.
What causes spider veins?
There are a few possible reasons why someone might develop spider veins.
“We don’t understand why, but some people are genetically predisposed to developing spider veins,” he says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of aesthetics and clinical research at The Mount Sinai Hospital. “We see them more often in people who have fair skin and then in people who have more UV exposure and sun damage.”
They’re also more common in high-estrogen situations, such as during pregnancy, Dr. Zeichner says.
“Your daily routine can play an important role, especially with prolonged sitting or prolonged standing,” says Dr. Massick. “It’s common in teachers or healthcare workers who stand for long periods of the day.” Obesity, hormonal changes, or taking certain medications can also increase your risk of developing spider veins, she says.
Ultimately, though, “the biggest factor is genetics — if a family member has spider veins, the risk is higher,” says Dr. Rodney.
How to prevent spider veins
You can’t change your genetics, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing spider veins. Dr. Rodney recommends doing the following:
- Stay active and try to maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long
- Wear compression socks or stockings
- Protect your skin from the sun
- Avoid tight clothing that restricts blood flow
Dr. Goldenberg says he recommends that his patients who are concerned about spider veins wear support stockings or socks during pregnancy and exercise — it’s just not the perfect solution. “Compression can help prevent spider veins, but it’s usually not 100% [effective],” He says.
Spider vein treatment options
If you have spider veins and they bother you, there are a few potential treatment options to consider.
One is a procedure known as sclerotherapy. With sclerotherapy, your dermatologist injects a chemical into the spider vein that irritates the vein wall, AAD explains. A compression stocking is placed on each leg and you will be encouraged to continue wearing it for two to three weeks along with daily walks. The treatment causes the vein walls to stick together and improves circulation. Spider veins usually disappear in three to six weeks after sclerotherapy, although you may need two or three treatments, the AAD says.
Laser treatment is another option. During laser treatment, “a beam of light is directed at the affected veins, causing them to fade,” says Dr. Rodney. Some veins disappear immediately after treatment. Others may take up to three months and may require more than one treatment AAD says.
A newer treatment called intravenous laser therapy (EVLT) may be used, according to the AAD. (With EVLT, a laser fiber is inserted into the vein and heated, causing it to collapse, the AAD says.) However, one of our practitioners says it’s most commonly used to treat varicose veins.
When to See a Doctor for Varicose Veins
If you notice spider veins and they don’t bother you, you don’t need to do anything. “Spider veins are pretty harmless and don’t need treatment,” says Dr. Massick. “If their appearance bothers you, however, you can visit a board-certified dermatologist, plastic or vascular surgeon to help treat these areas.”
It’s also a good idea to seek care if you experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, leg fatigue, or sudden swelling or redness with pain or discomfort—these can be signs of a blood clot, notes Dr. Massick.
Ultimately, it’s best to talk to your doctor about it.
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Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamor and more. He has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
Certified Dermatologist
With more than a decade of experience, board-certified dermatologist Caroline Chang, MD, is nationally recognized as a leading physician in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the founder of the Rhode Island Institute of Dermatology, the state’s first direct care dermatology practice dedicated to providing high quality, personalized care.
