Spider veins are dilated blood vessels that have a red or bluish color.  They appear mostly on the leg, occasionally on the face or elsewhere, and may often be unwanted.

They can be short, unconnected lines each about the size of a large hair or connecting in a scraggly, "sunburst" pattern.  They may also look like a spider web or a tree with branches.  Sometimes, they occur in a small area and are not very noticeable, or they can cover a large area of skin and be quite unattractive.

Larger dilated blood vessels called varicose veins may be raised above the skin surface.  They may occur along with spider veins.  Some people with unwanted blood vessels can have pain, ranging from a dull throbbing pain to a burning sensation.  The larger vessels are more likely to cause discomfort.

Although unwanted blood vessels carry blood, the great majority of them, especially spider veins, are not necessary.  If they are unsightly or uncomfortable, they can be treated by injection of a solution that will cause them to disappear or become much smaller.  There is about a 50-90% chance for a greatly improved appearance.

The cause of spider veins is not known.  In many cases they seem to run in families.  Identical twins can eb affected in the same area of the body and to the same extent.  The condition occurs as part of an internal disease.

Spider veins appear in both men and women, but more frequently in women.  The hormones estrogen and progesterone may play a role in their development.  Puberty, birth control pills, pregnancy or hormaone replacement therapy often seem to bring them out.  They may also appear after an injury or as a result of wearing tight girdles or hosiery held up with tight rubber bands.  Spider veins my also occur with large varicose veins.  Spider veins on the nose or the cheeks of fair skinned persons may be related to sun exposure.

Spider veins cannot always be prevented.  Wearing support hose may prevent some unwanted blood vessels from developing.  Keeping one's weight at a normal level and exercising regularly may also be helpful.  Eating a high fiber diet and wearing low-heeled shoes can also help.  Sun protection is important to limit the number of unwanted vessels on the face.

TREATMENT OF SCLEROTHERAPY