Millions of women and men are bothered by spider veins – those small yet unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins that most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. In fact, it’s estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued by this common cosmetic problem.
Many factors including pregnancy, hormonal changes and genetic influence contribute to the formation of varicose and spider veins. Spider veins form from high pressure in the venous system. This, in turn, forces the thin walled veins to expand. These engorged capillaries then expand several times their normal size, forming spider veins.