Is There a Difference Between Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?

Though spider veins and varicose veins are both classified as vein disorders, there are some distinct differences between them.

What Do They Look Like?

Spider veins are small, wispy, web-like veins on the skin surface, usually less than one millimeter in diameter. They may be purple or red and often appear in clusters or nests, which may look like a bruise.

Varicose veins are larger veins, which often have a blue color and generally bulge under the skin. Both types of veins are visible and one of the primary treatment goals is an improvement in cosmetic appearance.

What Causes Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?

Spider veins are usually inherited. Obesity, female hormones and prolonged sitting or standing are also contributing factors.

Varicose veins are most often a result of valves that function incorrectly. Normal valves allow blood to flow in only one direction—out of the leg and towards the heart. Faulty valves allow blood to flow backward into the leg, increasing pressure in the veins. This increased pressure dilates and elongates the vein, causing it to protrude and appear curved or twisted.

Do These Veins Cause Problems?

Spider veins do not usually cause symptoms and are primarily treated to improve appearance.

Varicose veins often cause heaviness, aching or pressure. They can also cause fatigue, and sometimes restless or jittery legs and itching. Swelling may be a result of vein insufficiency, but, often involves malfunctioning veins deep in the leg as well. Relief of discomfort is the reason most varicose veins are treated.

How Are Varicose Veins Treated?

Varicose veins are almost always treated in the office with minimally invasive techniques. Sclerotherapy—the injection of a dilute solution into the vein, shutting it down—can be used to treat smaller veins, while larger veins may also be treated with sclerotherapy. Ablation of faulty veins and excision or mini-phlebectomy (removal) are also commonly performed treatments. The goal is to divert blood from abnormal veins into nearby normal veins, which easily accommodate the extra load. These procedures involve minimal pain and little or no downtime. If you are interested in treating your spider or varicose veins, please call the Emory Vein Center for treatment by a board-certified vascular surgeon.

Get more information about varicose vein treatments.