Spider veins are damaged, visible blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface that are red, blue or purple and have a “web-like” appearance.
What is it?
Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear in clusters resembling webs or branches. While they can develop anywhere on the body, they are most commonly found on the legs, feet and face. Though typically harmless, spider veins can sometimes lead to discomfort, including swelling or a heavy sensation in the affected areas. These visible veins are more common in women than in men and often run in families. Risk factors include prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, weight gain, and limited circulation.
Spider veins can also result from weakened vein valves, sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, prior vein procedures or trauma to the skin. In some cases, spider veins may indicate an underlying condition known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which affects how blood flows back to the heart.
At Charlotte Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists can let you know if you are at risk of CVI. If you're bothered by the appearance of spider veins, we offer safe and effective treatments to help minimize them.
How is it treated?
While spider veins may not pose a health risk, they can affect your appearance. The team at Charlotte Dermatology provide treatments to minimize the appearane of spider veins.
If your spider veins indicate a more serious issue, our providers will first address the underlying condition before helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. Ready to treat your spider veins? Schedule your consultation today at one of our convenient locations across the Charlotte area—including Charlotte, Matthews, Waverly, and Cornelius—or visit us in Myrtle Beach, SC.