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Spider Vein Myths

There are many myths about spider veins, its causes, and treatments. Here are a few of spider vein myths:

1. Smoking Causes Spider Veins

2. Dieting and Exercising Will Prevent Spider Veins

3. Crossing the Legs While Sitting Causes Spider Veins

4. Spider Veins Occur Only in Women

5. Left Untreated, Spider Veins Will Turn Into Varicose Veins

6. Spider Veins are Not Painful and Do Not Cause Discomfort

7. Visible Veins in the Hand or Foot Will Turn Into Spider Veins

8. Hot Showers or Baths Encourage Spider Veins to Grow

Myth: Smoking Causes Spider Veins

Fact: Smoking has significant adverse effects on the heart and arteries. Although there is some evidence that the chemicals in cigarette have an oxidizing effect in all of the cells of the body, including veins, so far there is no direct evidence that smoking contributes to spider veins.

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Myth: Dieting and Exercising Will Prevent Spider Veins

Fact: The main causative factors of spider veins are genetics, pregnancy, and prolonged periods of standing. While maintaining an ideal body weight does help relieve unnecessary pressure on leg veins while standing, diet and exercise are not direct factors in preventing spider veins and varicose veins.

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Myth: Crossing the Legs While Sitting Causes Spider Veins

Fact: Although crossing the legs while sitting puts more pressure on the surface veins, it does not seem to be a major factor in the development of spider veins for most people.

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Myth: Spider Veins Occur Only in Women

Fact: While women are more susceptible to various vein conditions, including spider veins and varicose veins, men are not immune. It is estimated that 10% of people with vein conditions are men. However, women are more likely to seek cosmetic treatment for spider veins.

Spider veins in men are usually more noticeable - the veins are larger and have a darker color. Spider veins are also more likely to be symptomatic - accompanied by pain and discomfort - in men rather than women.

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Myth: Left Untreated, Spider Veins Will Turn Into Varicose Veins

Fact: Both spider veins and varicose veins are caused by enlargement and stretching of veins. However, there are significant differences. Spider veins are enlarged venules or small veins near the surface of the skin that connect capillaries to true veins. Varicose veins are stretched large leg veins, such as the greater and lesser saphenous veins.

Although some spider veins may enlarge enough to bulge slightly, they cannot stretch to the extent of becoming varicose veins.

Left untreated, however, spider veins may become larger, longer, and more prominent. They may even form clusters called spider vein matting, which resemble bruises that won't go away.

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Myth: Spider Veins are Not Painful and Do Not Cause Discomfort

Fact: Spider veins are often considered only a cosmetic problem. While in most cases spider veins are not symptomatic, a significant minority of people feel pain and discomfort. This is especially true in areas where there is a cluster of spider veins, spider vein matting, and ankle flares, as well as in men whose spider veins are caused by "blow-outs" of nearby varicose veins.

These people often experience discomfort, aching, burning, and other pains usually associated only with varicose veins. They may also feel a stinging sensation, as the condition worsens and new veins are stretched out.

Many people who seek treatment of their spider veins for cosmetic reasons often find that their legs feel better after their veins begin to disappear.

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Myth: Visible Veins in the Hand or Foot Will Turn Into Spider Veins

Fact: Visible veins in areas where the skin is thin, such as in the hand, neck, and on top of the foot, are actually normal. Veins are usually also more visible in elderly men and women, and in slender people.

After a long period of standing, veins in the leg may enlarge. Similarly, after a period of inactivity, veins in the hand and arms may become more visible. This will not cause these veins to turn into spider veins or varicose veins.

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Myth: Hot Showers or Baths Encourage Spider Veins to Grow

In rare instances with people who have extremely fragile veins near the skin surface, however, bruising, pressure on the skin, and injuries can lead to spider veins. In these people, crossing the legs while sitting should be avoided.

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