Arañas vasculares

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are small, visible veins that appear close to the surface of the skin. They often look red, blue, or purple and may form web-like or branching patterns.

Many people notice spider veins because of appearance, while others experience itching, burning, or mild discomfort in the areas where they appear.

Understanding what spider veins are and why they form helps patients decide when monitoring is appropriate and when evaluation or treatment may be helpful.

If you’re unsure whether your visible veins are spider veins or something else, a vein evaluation can help clarify what’s happening.

What exactly are spider veins?

Spider veins are tiny blood vessels that have widened and become visible near the skin’s surface.

They are smaller and flatter than varicose veins and do not usually bulge above the skin.

Why are they called “spider” veins?

The name comes from their appearance. Spider veins often resemble spider webs or branching patterns.

They can appear as thin lines or clusters, commonly on the legs and sometimes on the face.

What do spider veins look like?

Spider veins typically appear red, blue, or purple and are visible through the skin.

They are usually flat and may spread outward from a central point.

Where do spider veins usually appear?

Spider veins most commonly appear on the thighs, calves, ankles, and behind the knees.

They can also appear on the face, especially around the nose and cheeks.

Are spider veins the same as varicose veins?

No. Spider veins are smaller and closer to the skin, while varicose veins are larger, deeper, and often bulge above the surface.

Varicose veins are more likely to be associated with underlying circulation problems.

Small Spiders or Bulging Veins? Learn to Know the Difference

Do spider veins cause symptoms?

Many spider veins cause no symptoms and are noticed only because of appearance.

Some patients experience itching, burning, aching, or tenderness in the affected areas.

Does This Sound Like You? Check Your Symptoms

Are spider veins cosmetic or medical?

Spider veins are usually considered cosmetic.

In some cases, especially when accompanied by symptoms or recurrent patterns, they may be related to underlying vein pressure.

Cosmetic vs. Medical: Know the Difference

Can spider veins get worse over time?

Spider veins can increase in number or spread over time, especially if contributing factors are not addressed.

They do not typically lead to serious complications but may continue to recur.

Should spider veins be evaluated?

Evaluation is recommended if spider veins are associated with pain, swelling, or repeated recurrence after prior treatment.

A vein evaluation helps determine whether spider veins are isolated or related to deeper vein issues.

About the Medical Team at Vein Treatment Clinic

Vein Treatment Clinic is powered by VIP Medical Group and built around a single guiding principle: deliver the highest standard of vein care using an academic, evidence-based approach combined with the most advanced, minimally invasive technology available today.

Clinical leadership at Vein Treatment Clinic is guided by board-certified vein specialists, including Dr. Michael Nguyen, whose training and experience help shape the clinic’s rigorous standards of care.

All physicians at Vein Treatment Clinic follow a structured, highly standardized clinical model. This includes ongoing training in the latest non-surgical vein treatments, continuous review of emerging research, and strict adherence to proven safety and quality protocols.

Patients benefit from a team-based model of care where expertise is shared, best practices are consistently applied, and treatment recommendations are driven by data, experience, and long-term results.