Spider veins are very small, fine red or blue veins located closer to the skin's surface than varicose veins. They can be found on the legs and face and can look like thin red lines, tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins can cover a small or large area.
Spider Vein Causes
(As you will see, these causes can also apply to varicose and reticular veins.)
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Heredity. If you have a family member with prominent veins, you may be at a greater risk for developing them.
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Age. As you age, your valves in the veins may weaken and not work as well.
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Gender. About half of American women have varicose veins. In general, women are two to three times more likely to develop varicose veins than men. This is due to changes in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Taking birth control pills may also increase a woman's risk of developing varicose veins.
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Pregnancy. As the fetus grows during pregnancy, the pressure on the veins in the legs increases. Varicose veins that occur during this time usually improve within 3 to 12 months following delivery.
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Overweight and obesity. Having extra weight on the body can put additional pressure on the veins.
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Prolonged standing or sitting. This is particularly true with legs bent or crossed. When standing or sitting with legs bent or crossed, the veins have to work harder to pump the blood up to the heart.