Causes Spider Veins

Before we can talk about causes for spider veins, we should discuss what spider veins are. Spider veins are veins that appear near the skin surface that appear purple, red, or blue. They are most often found on the legs, but spider veins can occur on the face and other parts of the body.

In most cases, these veins are normally short unconnected lines or appear in a sunburst pattern resembling a spider's web. Unsightly spider veins occur in small, unnoticeable areas, or they can cover a large area of skin.

Spider veins affect mostly women, although the do occur in men, just not as frequently.

Regular veins carry venous blood back to the heart. Inside these veins, one-way valves guarantee that blood only travels toward the heart and help balance the blood pressure along the vein. Faulty veins can cause a condition known as venous insufficiency that can cause spider veins.

Groups of spider veins can appear as a red or purple patch called blushing or matting that can be mistaken for bruises. But unlike bruises, spider veins do not fade. Another type of spider veins, called an ankle flare is a group of spider veins, inked to varicose veins that can be found on the inner ankle.

In most instances, spider veins are not problematic and seeking treatment for them is considered cosmetic. Spider veins can cause a burning sensation or a dull, throbbing pain.

Spider veins are caused by some of the same factors that also cause varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

Causes for spider veins include:



• Genetics

• Pregnancy

• Prolonged standing and sitting

• Injury

• Vein Conditions

Causes for Facial Spider Veins

Some facial veins are caused by rosacea. Several red spider veins in the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin accompany this condition, and in some instances they are joined by acne breakouts. While the cause of rosacea is not known, some key factors that play a role in rosacea are alcohol and spicy food consumption, as well as stress.

Chronic sun exposure can also cause spider veins and sun exposure can also cause serious skin damage that includes wrinkles, freckles, moles, and skin cancer. Bruising can also cause spider veins.

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