Varicose veins are large, twisted veins that appear above the surface of the skin. Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins. Risk factors such as obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes and heredity may cause spider veins to occur. A physician diagnoses spider veins based on the appearance of the veins. Wearing compression stockings, exercising, elevating the legs and eating a low-salt, high-fiber diet can help prevent spider veins from developing, according to MayoClinic.com. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the spider veins. A treatment for spider veins includes having sclerotherapy, where a physician injects the veins with a solution to reduce the appearance of the veins.
Coloring
Spider veins appear as blue, red or purple veins on the surface of the skin. Similar to varicose veins, the spider veins may cause an itchy, red rash to occur on the skin in the affected area.
Skin Changes
The spider veins can take on several different patterns on the skin. Some spider veins resemble a web pattern as it radiates outwards from a center location, while others look like a tree branch. The veins may intersect or can run in separate lines. Several specific locations on the body are prone to developing spider veins. cheeks, calves and thighs are the most common areas to experience the vein condition. The veins can cover a small area of skin or affect a large area, according to The National Women's Health Information Center. The spider veins appear on these areas due to the increased pressure placed on the veins when returning blood to the heart.
Pain
Although the condition is usually only cosmetic, spider veins may cause symptoms similar to varicose veins. These symptoms include an aching feeling in the legs, itching, cramping at night and heaviness, according to VeinDirectory.org. The spider veins may also cause burning sensations and pain, especially with prolonged sitting or standing.
Bruising
Due to chronic backup of blood in the spider veins, the skin over the veins becomes frail. This frailty causes the skin and surrounding tissues to injure easily and bleed. The bleeding trapped under the skin causes bruising.
