Thread veins, commonly known as spider veins, are small, flat lines that appear through the skin in a web-like pattern. They are red, blue or purple in colour and do not normally cause any pain.
The role of veins is to pump deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Blood should therefore only flow in one direction. Sometimes, however, the valves that prevent blood from moving backwards are damaged. Spider veins are formed when blood leaks back into the lower part of the vein and begins to pool.
Spider veins are not generally a cause for medical concern. For aesthetic purposes, people sometimes seek treatments to reduce the appearance of spider veins, and laser treatments can be very effective.
If you relate to this condition but still feel unsure, at Harpenden Skin Clinic we are always here to help and advise patients on the best possible treatment journey performed by experienced clinicians.
