Spider Veins: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Spider Veins?
A primary care doctor can look at spider veins and check whether they cause any problems. A vascular doctor, who treats vein problems, or a dermatologist, who treats skin problems, can treat them if you want them removed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is spider veins?
Spider veins, or thread veins, are smaller than varicose veins. They are usually red. They may look like tree branches or spider webs. They are usually found on the legs or the face.
Doctors also call these tiny widened blood vessels telangiectasias. Spider veins may affect more than half of women. They are often painless and do not usually cause health problems.
Symptoms
Some women do not have any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, your legs may feel extremely tired, heavy, or achy. Symptoms may get worse after sitting or standing for long periods of time. They may get better after resting and putting your legs up.
Other symptoms that may be more common with varicose veins include:
- Throbbing or cramping.
- Swelling.
- Itching.
Changing hormone levels may affect your symptoms. You may notice more symptoms during certain times in your menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or menopause.
Causes and who gets it
Problems in the valves in your veins can prevent blood from flowing normally and cause spider veins. If the valves do not close correctly, blood can leak back into the lower part of the vein. Over time, more blood gets stuck, which builds pressure that weakens the vein wall.
Women are more likely to have spider veins. Your risk may also be higher if you have a family or personal history of varicose veins or spider veins. Blood clots in the legs or scarring of the veins can damage the valves.
Other causes of tiny skin blood vessels include aging, gene problems, sun exposure, overuse of steroid creams, and injury to the area.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor or nurse will look at your legs while you are standing or sitting down. Sometimes they do other tests to rule out other health problems. An ultrasound, which uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of your body, can check blood flow in your veins. It can look for weak or leaky valves and for blood clots.
Treatment
Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. The doctor injects a chemical into the vein. The chemical makes the vein walls swell, stick together, and seal shut. The vein turns into scar tissue and should fade in a few weeks. Spider veins on the legs are usually treated with sclerotherapy, and spider veins on the face are usually treated with laser.
Laser treatment can treat spider veins that are smaller than 3 millimeters across. The vein slowly fades and disappears. You may need several treatments. Spider veins may come back after treatment.
If your symptoms are mild, your doctor or nurse may suggest steps to take at home. They may also suggest compression stockings to wear daily and remove at night. Some stronger compression stockings can hurt people with certain heart conditions, so ask your doctor which strength is safe for you.
Steps you can take at home include:
- Get regular physical activity, because leg muscles help push blood back to the heart.
- Rest your feet on a stool when you sit.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor or nurse if spider veins cause you pain or discomfort. Also talk to them if your symptoms keep you from daily activities.
Get checked if:
- A vein has become swollen, red, or very tender or warm to the touch, which can be a sign of a blood clot.
- You have sores or a rash on your leg or near your ankle.
- The skin on your ankle or calf changes color.
- One of the veins begins to bleed.
Contact your provider if you notice enlarged vessels in the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can look at the veins and ask about your symptoms. They can suggest home steps and compression stockings, and refer you to a specialist for sclerotherapy or laser treatment.
Common questions
Are spider veins harmful?
Spider veins are often painless and do not usually cause health problems. Talk to your doctor or nurse if they cause pain or discomfort. You may want to have them removed if you have symptoms or do not like the way they look.
What is the most common treatment for spider veins?
Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. A doctor injects a chemical into the vein, and the vein seals shut and fades over a few weeks.
Can spider veins come back after treatment?
Yes, spider veins may come back after treatment. Over time, new spider veins can also develop.
Can spider veins be prevented?
You may not be able to prevent spider veins, especially if they run in your family or happen when you are pregnant. Exercising and losing extra weight may help prevent new ones from forming.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
