Spider Veins in the Legs
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Spider veins and reticular veins are small, web-like, blood vessels that are easily visible on the surface of your skin. They can be red, blue, or purple and are commonly associated with varicose veins. Spider veins range in diameter from 0.1 to 1 mm. Reticular veins are dilated bluish sub-dermal veins measuring between 1 and 3 mm in diameter. When veins are more than 3mm in diameter, they are referred to as varicose veins. Varicose veins, although still visible through the skin, are usually larger, raised blood vessels that are swollen.
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Spider Veins
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Reticular Veins
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Although spider and reticular veins are considered a cosmetic problem, they are often a result of underlying venous reflux in the larger veins. When reflux develops in the larger veins and results in the veins becoming bigger, the pressure is often transmitted to the nearby smaller veins under the skin and these manifest as spider veins and reticular veins. Therefore it is imperative that while seeing a patient with spider veins, the clinician also rules out underlying reflux in the larger veins which may be the cause of the problem.
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Is This a Cosmetic Issue?
Although Spider Veins are considered a cosmetic problem, and frequently treated in dermatology and other clinics by sclerotherapy, they can be a result of underlying Venous Reflux. Venous Reflux is NOT a cosmetic issue as is commonly believed. If left untreated, they can progress over time to more serious problems such as:
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Vascular Indications
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