What causes spider veins?

Dr Alex Vesey is our expert consultant vascular surgeon who heads up our varicose vein team at McKeown Medical. Here, he discusses what spider veins are.

Published by Dr Alex Vesey

Date posted — 25.08.24

Expert Video

Spider veins, or thread veins, are caused by the dilation of small blood vessels near the skin’s surface.

Factors contributing to their development include genetic predisposition, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or menopause), and prolonged exposure to sun or extreme temperatures.

Other risk factors include prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, and ageing, which weaken the vessel walls and valves. Spider veins are often seen on the legs and face and are generally harmless but can be a cosmetic concern.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, and protecting your skin from sun damage can help reduce the risk of developing spider veins.

We offer a range of treatment options for varicose veins, including VenaSeal™ – the most up-to-date method of treating varicose veins that causes less pain and allows you to get back to normal almost immediately, without the hassle of wearing bandages or compression stockings.

Get in touch with our friendly team, and we’ll help you find the right varicose vein treatment.

Dr Alex Vesey

Our vascular surgery service is led by Dr Alex Vesey. Alex is a highly skilled vascular surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of vascular conditions. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Vesey is dedicated to providing patients with the most advanced and effective treatments for venous diseases, with a particular interest in the treatment of varicose veins.

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