Question 1

what are the main causes of spider veins?

Accepted Answer

Heredity: We inherit the gene for weak vein walls, thus spider or varicose vein or weak vein valves, sometimes later in life after environmental or work issues affect us - like prolonged sitting, standing, heavy weight lifting, pregnancies, hot tubs, trauma to legs, hormones. Wearing medical support stockings, esp for work or airline travel and weight lifting and pregnancies can slow the progress.

Question 2

what could cause spider veins all over my body?

Accepted Answer

May be telangiectasi: It may be something else such as telangiectasias or small blood changes. Have then checked by a doctor becuase the can be associated with certain rheumatology conditions.

Question 3

can you tell me what causes those ugly spider veins?

Accepted Answer

Genetics and more: The biggest factor in the development of spider veins is heredity which you can't help. Hormones and pregnancy also play a role. Obesity and trauma also play a role with spider veins which you can certainly help prevent by maintaining your weight and avoiding activities which lead to trauma.

Question 4

what causes varicose and spider veins?

Accepted Answer

Heredity: Far and away, the major cause of varicose and spider veins is heredity.  Other factors can contribute to their development if you have inherited a tendency to get varicose veins in the first place.  These include prolonged standing, age, pregnancy, hormones, and trauma.  Surprisingly, obesity has not been shown to be a cause of varicose veins.  It does increase the risk of complications though.

Question 5

can lupus cause spider veins ?

Accepted Answer

See below: Spider veins can be caused by other conditions, but telangiectasias can be seen with lupus.

Question 6

how does sun exposure lead to spider veins? i heard that spider veins can be caused by sun exposure. how does this work?

Accepted Answer

Sun damage: In a very simplified answer, sun exposure can cause rosacea as a result of damage the skin.  One form of rosacea involves spider veins or telangiectasias.  This is generaly only seen on the face however.  Spider veins as a result of sun exposure aren't really seen anywhere else on the body.

Question 7

could crossing your legs really cause spider veins?

Accepted Answer

Unproven: There are many reasons for spider vein formation including genetics, pregnancies, aging, trauma and sun exposure.  Some have suggested that wearing high heel shoes and crossing the legs will  increase the chances of spider vein formation due to the increased pressure on the legs from the shoes or crossing.  Although it sounds plausible,  there is no real proof that leg crossing worsens veins.

Question 8

do spider veins caused by hormonal irregularities during puberty ever go away after puberty?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Often they will but many times they persist.  If they do you can wear medical compression stockings but I would recommend seeing a vein doctor to get an ultrasound and evaluate you for venous insufficiency

Question 9

are spider veins dangerous and what causes them? i have so many on my thighs and ankles... help please

Accepted Answer

Spider veins: Fortunately, spider veins aren't at all dangerous.  Their main cause is heredity, but hormones and pregnancy can contribute to their appearance as well.  If you have a lot of them, especially around the ankle, it is important to make sure you don't have any underlying vein trouble that you can't see as the cause.  The way to find out is to see a vein specialist and have a venous ultrasound.

Question 10

i have multiple (unchanging) lipomas, and have recently noticed a handful of tiny spider veins, each on or near a lipoma. aging or cause for concern?

Accepted Answer

Sounds ok: Both spider veins and lipomas are not dangerous in the vast majority if cases. See you primary care provider for an exam to be sure, but could be done at your convenience. Hope this helps!

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Doctor answers about:

How are spider veins caused

A member asked:

What are the main causes of spider veins?

A member asked:

What could cause spider veins all over my body?

A member asked:

Can you tell me what causes those ugly spider veins?

A member asked:

What causes varicose and spider veins?

A member asked:

Can lupus cause spider veins ?

A member asked:

How does sun exposure lead to spider veins? i heard that spider veins can be caused by sun exposure. how does this work?

A member asked:

Could crossing your legs really cause spider veins?

A member asked:

Do spider veins caused by hormonal irregularities during puberty ever go away after puberty?

A member asked:

Are spider veins dangerous and what causes them? i have so many on my thighs and ankles... help please

A member asked:

I have multiple (unchanging) lipomas, and have recently noticed a handful of tiny spider veins, each on or near a lipoma. aging or cause for concern?

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