Are Spider Veins Dangerous?

Spider veins are very small blood vessels that are close to the skin’s surface. You may see these veins on your skin as blue or purple lines that run under the skin. These are thin, dilated blood vessels that carry blood to various cells in the body. They can sometimes appear red and typically are located on the legs near the upper thigh, around the ankles, or at the knee. It is not uncommon to have these, but should you be worried about them? Here’s what the Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein experts want you to know.

What Are the Risks
Spider veins are clusters of twisted veins. They do not tend to bulge outward from the skin and are typically painless. Most people do not have serious health risks from them, though if you do, you should report this to your doctor right away.

Varicose veins, which are larger and may bulge outward, are more worrisome. Complications are not common, but they can occur, leading to blood clots, minor bleeding located near the skin, and ulcers located near the skin. There is also the risk of a person with varicose veins suffering from deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, both of which are dangerous conditions in which blood clots develop and can cause pain, block the flow of blood, or may travel to the lungs.

Treatment for Spider Veins

It is possible to receive treatment for spider veins. You may wish to do this to improve the way your skin looks or feels. Remember, spider veins are not typically dangerous, but they could be an indication of nearby varicose veins that may require treatment.

Initial treatment may include the use of compression stockings or socks to apply pressure to the area.
Sclerotherapy is an in-office, minimally invasive treatment option. During this treatment, our dedicated Sclerotherapy Nurse injects a solution into the affected vein. Sclerotherapy causes the veins to stick together, blocking blood flow in the area. This leads to the vein shrinking and, over time, vanishing.

Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Options

If you are facing spider veins or any other vein-related issues, contact Premier Surgical Vascular & Vein Center in Knoxville, TN for an appointment at (865) 588-8229 or online at BOOK ONLINE. Our experts will provide an exam and determine the best treatment options for your needs.