Veins, which are blood vessels that have valves, keep blood moving in one direction. When a valve stops working, the blood stops and causes the vein to swell which forms a spider vein. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. Spider veins are red or blue in color and look like a spider web. They may also resemble a tree with branches. Spider veins may also be referred to as spider telangiectasia or spider angioma. According to the Cleveland Clinic, spider veins are normally located beneath the skin and are most commonly found in the face and legs. Women tend to be more susceptible to spider veins than men and many factors may cause spider vein formation.
Genetics
The risk of developing spider veins is greater if one or more family members have spider veins. This is most frequently associated with the maternal side of the family. Characteristics that lead to spider vein formation, which include weak vein walls, weak vein valves and shortage of vein valves, all seem to be inherited characteristics.
Lifestyle Factors
One’s lifestyle can attribute to the development of spider veins. A person whose daily activity involves sitting or standing for a long period of time can develop spider veins because of the weight on the vein valves. Also, if a person is obese, the extra weight can weaken the vein values and cause the valves to fail. Other lifestyle factors that restrict the blood flow include wearing tight clothing and high-heeled shoes, lifting weights, long-distance running, sun exposure and extreme temperature changes.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there is an increase in blood volume. This causes the veins to swell and the valves may not function properly, thus spider vein formation results. As pregnancy progresses into later stages and the uterus grows, more weight is applied to the veins in the legs. This added strain and pressure may cause leg veins to weaken and break.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes during menopause, puberty, or pregnancy cause an increase in estrogen. The excess estrogen in the blood stream can weaken the vein walls, which could possibly lead to spider veins. Birth control pills and estrogen therapy may also lead to spider veins due to estrogen overload.
