Spider Veins

Telangiectasia (tuh-lang-jee-uhk-tei-zhuh) is a condition that affects men and women alike. It also goes by the more common name of “spider veins”. (Still not any better, just easier to pronounce.) So just what are these spindly little freeways that can be a cosmetic nightmare? Spider veins are widened blood vessels or capillaries that form a threadlike pattern under the skin, typically clustered in what looks like “spider webs”.  They are caused by the failure of a tiny muscle restricting the size of an arteriole, which causes vasodilation of the blood vessel making them more visible.

The Cause of Spider Veins

Being more prone to spider veins are equal parts genetics and environmental factors. Sixty percent of inherited spider veins come from the maternal side of the gene pool. However, there are quite a few environmental stressors that can cause spider veins to appear. Working in extreme heat can cause capillaries to be stressed from over circulation weakening the muscles responsible for constriction. Sitting or standing for prolonged periods can also cause spider veins to develop due to increased blood pressure in the lower extremities.