The visibility of blood vessels though the skin is a common condition affecting an estimated 30 to 60 percent of adults. It is most common in women, especially those with pale skin. Visible blood vessels are often caused by conditions such as:
- Heredity
- Standing for long periods of time
- Obesity
- Hormones (especially during pregnancy and menopause)
- Birth control pills
- Blood clots
- Tumors
There are two major types of visible blood vessels: varicose veins and spider veins. Varicose veins are large, raised blood vessels that develop mostly in the legs. Spider veins are smaller, typically red or blue, and appear on both the legs and face.
Treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes, such as practicing good hygiene, walking regularly and losing weight.
- Sclerotherapy, a procedure where a saline solution is injected into the vein.
- Laser treatment to collapse the vein.
- Radiofrequency occlusion to collapse the vein.
- Surgery to tie off or remove segments of veins.