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Spider Veins
Spider veins are small blood vessels just below the surface of the skin. They are usually blue, red or purple. They can have a variety of appearances. Sometimes, they are single, appearing like twigs. Often they form clusters and look like a spider web, hence their name. They may also appear like a bruise or a large blush on the skin. In some patients the cause is venous reflux, as described in the section on varicose veins. However, they are much smaller than varicose veins. Other causes include heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes and injury. They can be very unsightly but usually do not cause significant medical problems.



Varicose Veins
Blood travels in your body through veins and arteries. The arteries transport the blood from the heart to all the organs, such as the brain and stomach. The veins bring the blood back to the heart. As blood travels from your legs upwards towards your heart gravity tends to pull the blood back towards your feet. To prevent this from happening the veins contain tiny one way flaps or valves which prevent blood that has traveled upwards from moving back downwards.

When a valve is damaged, it can no longer hold the blood and the blood flows in the wrong direction, away from the heart. This backup of blood causes the veins to stretch and distend. This process sets up a vicious cycle for, as shown in the diagram, the distension interferes with the functioning of the valves, which causes further distension. Blood now pools in the legs and the swollen, twisted, rope-like vein is easily visible on the surface of the leg, forming what is referred to as a varicose vein.

When we talk about venous reflux or venous insufficiency, it is the broken or incompetent valve(s) that allow the blood to flow the WRONG way. Varicose veins are a cosmetic concern for some but they are not just unsightly. For many, varicose veins cause discomfort and pain as well as other problems. Many people who suffer from varicose veins are young, active and otherwise healthy individuals. Left untreated, severe varicose veins can lead to chronic swelling, skin color changes, eczema-type symptoms and finally to ulcerations that will not heal until the veins are taken care of.

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