Spider veins are the small clusters of red, blue or purple veins that most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. These veins lie close to the surface of the skin and although they are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it. It is estimated that at least half of the adult female population have spider veins, a common cosmetic problem.

Among the factors that contribute to the development of spider veins are heredity, pregnancy (and other events that cause hormonal shifts), weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications.

Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade. The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.

Used in Europe for more than 50 years, this procedure has only become popular in the United States during the past decade. The introduction of sclerosing agents that are mild enough to be used in small veins makes sclerotherapy predictable and relatively painless.

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Procedures Index