Many people are troubled by unsightly and/or painful veins in their legs. When leg veins become enlarged and dilated such that they become visible on the surface of the skin they are termed surface veins. These surface veins can range from small thin veins (spider veins) to large thick veins (varicose veins).

What are spider veins?

Spider veins or 'telangiectasias' are small, thin blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin and may appear red or blue. These small, enlarged blood vessels may be short, unconnected lines or may be connected in a spider web or cluster pattern. Spider veins can cover a large area of skin and be quite unattractive. They are most common in the thighs, ankles and feet.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels that form beneath the skin surface. The one-way valves in the veins that would normally channel the blood back to the heart do not function properly, causing the blood to 'pool' in the veins. This pooling stretches the veins, creating swollen and twisted blood vessels that appear under the skin as blue, rope-like veins. These veins can become large and unattractive and can produce symptoms such as tired, heavy, aching, burning, itching or cramping legs.

What causes veins?

Many factors play a part in the development of leg veins and over 50% of all people will develop surface and/or varicose veins at sometime.

There is a significant relationship between heredity and the development of varicose veins and "spider" veins. If your parents have varicose or spider veins there is a greater likelihood you will develop those abnormal veins.

The development of varicose veins and spider veins can occur at any age but usually occurs between the ages of 18 - 35 years, and peaks between 50 and 60 years.

Leg vein disorders occur in both men and women, with females being affected more frequently.

During pregnancy varicose veins may form but may also disappear shortly after the delivery of the baby. During pregnancy, the enlarged uterus tends to compress veins in the pelvic area causing leg veins to become enlarged. Also, hormone changes during pregnancy can affect the vein wall causing distension and valve damage or leakage.

People who are involved with prolonged sitting or standing in their daily activities have an increased risk of developing varicose veins.

Can veins be prevented?

There is no known method of prevention. Support stockings may slow the rate of progression in some people and are worth considering during pregnancy and in occupations that involve prolonged standing.