Spider veins are small, enlarged blood vessels that appear red or blue and are close to the skin's surface. Mostly, they are evident on your legs and thighs, although they can show up on the face or other parts of your body. These very fine veins are not an essential part of your venous system and their appearance on your body does not mean any kind of health hazard.

These dilated blood vessels look like short, unconnected lines, each about the size of a large hair, or they can look like a "sunburst" pattern or a spider web. Their size varies, and they usually show up on the thighs, calves and ankles.

Larger, dilated blood vessels are varicose veins, which are raised above the skin's surface. You can feel them with your fingers. Varicose veins are bluish and can be more than a quarter-inch in diameter. They develop when blood flows backwards in your legs because of damaged or diseased valves in the vein. Varicose veins are a health concern because complications can develop such as blood clots breaking away and traveling to the lungs.

Spider and varicose veins usually run in families. Pregnancy weight gain, age, prolonged sitting or standing and certain medications such as birth control pills may contribute to them.

Both types can cause pain and discomfort, ranging from a dull throbbing pain to a burning sensation. You may even have pain while standing. The larger the vessel, the more likely you will have discomfort.

Sclerotherapy

A tiny needle is injected into the affected vein with a chemical solution (concentrated saline solution) causing it to close up or collapse. Sometimes, you will need to return for more injections until the veins have been minimized or eliminated. Generally, 2-5 treatments 6-8 weeks apart is recommended.

Side effects, include slight swelling, bruising, redness, itchiness and hyperpigmentation at the injection sites. Rarely ulcers can develop. It can take up to 6-8 weeks for the treated vein to collapse and disappear. Each session can take about 10-20 minutes or more..