Causes of Spider Veins

Different factors cause spider veins for different people.  There are many things that can cause abnormal blood flow and weakening of the vein wall, both of which can lead to spider veins and varicose veins forming in the affected area.  Once weakened, any increased pressure in the vein causes the veins to dilate to become spider veins.

The most common causes of spider Veins...

are hormonal changes in the body.  These hormonal changes can be due to puberty, menopause, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, and birth control pills. 

Pregnancy is a common time for women to develop spider veins.  The hormonal changes that occur quickly during pregnancy coupled with increased venous pressure from the increased blood volume cause many spider veins while women are pregnant. 

The hormones that prepare your body for birth also cause your vein walls to become more pliable and easier to dilate when pressure increases. The added weight during pregnancy also increases pressure in the legs thus increasing your chances of developing spider veins.

Heredity has also been found to play a large part in the development of spider veins.  If your mother and grandmother suffer with spider veins or varicose veins, your chances are greater of seeing an onset of spider veins in your lifetime.

Other causes of spider veins...

• Advancing age.  Overall vein health decreases as you age thus increasing your chances of spider veins appearing.
• Prolonged standing.  If standing in one place for any length of time, venous pressure can increase.  The increased pressure can cause veins to dilate leading to formation of spider veins.  Lack of movement can also lead to the pooling of blood in the veins which causes the reddish purple veins to be visible under the skin.
• Exposure to ultraviolet rays.  Sun exposure can lead to the development of spider veins, especially on the face.
• Sitting for long periods of time with your legs crossed.  This can cause restricted blood flow and elevated pressure in the legs.
• Being overweight.  Extra weight contributes to more pressure in the leg veins.
• Wearing tight clothes and undergarments.  This can restrict blood flow and cause pressure to increase and veins to dilate.
• Trauma or injury to the skin.  An injury such as a softball hitting the skin or other trauma can weaken vein walls which can cause veins to dilate even under normal venous pressure.

Additional causes of spider veins include a history of blood clots which can make you more susceptible to spider veins, injury to superficial veins, previous vein surgeries, and some topical steroids.  Several other conditions can cause increased pressure in the abdominal area which leads to elevated venous pressure in the legs.  These conditions include fluid buildup in the abdomen, liver disease, groin surgery, and heart failure.

Some of the causes of spider veins can be prevented, but some, such as heredity, cannot.  Being aware of the causes and conditions that can increase your susceptibility of developing spider veins is important.  Your awareness could help you limit your participation in many of the causes of spider veins.

Disclaimer: This page is not meant to be a substitute for any professional advice, guidance, or counseling.  I am not a doctor.  This page is not intended in any way to serve or take the place of medical advice from a physician.