TL;DR:
- Spider veins are dilated capillaries that result from ruptured blood vessels under the skin, appearing as red or purple marks. They can lead to varicose veins if untreated.
- Two types: Telangiectasias (fine red/blue capillaries, ~1mm wide) and Reticular veins (thicker blue veins, ~3mm wide).
- Causes: Genetics, hormonal changes, overweight/pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, temperature extremes, aging, leg injuries, high heels/tight clothing.
- Prevention: Healthy diet (omega-3, vitamins C/E/PP), regular exercise, avoiding long sitting/standing.
- Treatments:
- Sclerotherapy: Injects a drug to shrink veins (15-45 mins). Avoid sun/heat for 4 weeks post-treatment.
- Laser vascular closure: Targets vessels with laser (virtually painless, effects visible after ~3 weeks).
- Electrocoagulation: Uses a laser to destroy vessels (quick, no recovery needed).
- Visit a phlebologist for a diagnosis and Doppler ultrasound before treatment.
Defects related to the appearance of the skin on the legs is a common problem that particularly affects women and people with sensitive and delicate skin. Dilated capillaries on the legs are one of the first signs of circulatory disorders, making them in need of proper treatment, as they can turn into varicose veins over time. Fortunately, they are easy to remove, and modern aesthetic medicine comes to our aid.
What exactly are spider veins and how do they form?
Spider veins on the legs are one type of varicose veins, they are formed as a result of dilatation of the venous plexus, capillaries or arteries. It is worth remembering that if there has already been a widening of the blood vessels, the likelihood that the effect will disappear on its own is small. Rather, the problem is expected to worsen, as spider veins can grow larger over time. How exactly does this happen? Spider veins are the result of the rupture of a fragile blood vessel just below the surface of the skin, resulting in a cosmetic defect that is bright red or purple in color. Such a mesh of dilated vessels is called venulectasias in the literature. We divide them into two types:
- intradermal spider veins, or telangiectasias – dilated to a diameter of about a millimeter blue sine or reddish capillaries, located just under the skin, which in appearance are associated with spider legs,
- Subcutaneous reticular veins – thin-walled reticular veins about three millimeters wide, located in the deep layer of skin on the thighs or calves in the popliteal region, which in appearance resemble a distinct blue reticulum.
Attention should be paid especially to the second type, as it is a warning of the appearance of chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities in the future.
Why do blood vessels on the lower extremities burst?
There are several factors that increase the risk of bursting blood vessels on the legs. These include:
- Genetic predisposition – people who already have a family history of vein disease are more likely to have this problem, as their capillaries are weaker and their veins have an increased susceptibility to stretching of the walls.
- Hormonal changes in adolescence, pregnancy, menopause or caused by the use of oral contraception – elevated levels of hormones such as progesterone can lead to a weakening of the vessel walls and a decrease in their ability to contract and stretch.
- Overweight, including pregnancy-related – veins are more stressed because they have to pump more blood.
- Lack of exercise and unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking and alcohol abuse.
- Exposure to low or high temperatures such as long sunbathing, as the blood vessels are forced to expand rapidly in such a situation, thus becoming weakened.
- Advanced age – the circulatory system does not function as efficiently as before.
- Operations or injuries to the legs, frequent wearing of leg over leg, wearing high heels or tight pants – each of these cases worsens circulation in the lower extremities.
It is important to pay attention to the impact of the above factors on our health, because burst capillaries on the legs are not just a cosmetic defect, but primarily a health problem.
Preventive measures
There are some natural preventive measures, but we point out that they are unlikely to be effective for already formed lesions. The basis is to take care of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C, E and PP, as well as physical activity such as cycling, swimming or walking, since a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight promote the formation of spider veins. The treatment of vascular spider veins uses over-the-counter medications that reduce the permeability of the vessel walls and improve circulation in the vessels, such as those containing extracts of horse chestnut, diosmin, hesperidin, escin or rutin, but not in every case a positive effect can be achieved. The best method by far remains vascular closure treatments carried out in an aesthetic medicine clinic, which are able to eliminate spider veins for good. We use all of the following methods with very good results in our OT.CO Clinic in Warsaw.
Ways to treat burst blood vessels on the legs.
In order to choose the best method of treating spider veins it is best to go to a phlebologist, that is, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of vein-related ailments. He or she may first perform what is known as a vein ultrasound. This is a painless and non-invasive test, for which no prior preparation is necessary. It will allow examination of the superficial and deep veins to detect any abnormalities in the veins, arteries and blood vessels and show the progression of the disease. It usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Following the examination, the doctor may refer the patient for sclerotherapy treatment, which is the injection of veins with a special obliterating drug, which shrinks and closes the vein. This is a minimally invasive and endovascular method and can be performed regardless of age, although it has several contraindications. These include:
- pregnancy and lactation,
- venous thrombosis,
- ongoing systemic disease,
- prolonged immobilization.
The procedure takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on whether it is performed on one or both legs. A special tourniquet worn at the end ensures proper distribution of the drug and keeps it from entering healthy venous vessels. Up to four weeks after the procedure, prolonged exposure to the sun, high temperatures, hot baths and prolonged standing and sitting should be avoided. The first effects will be noticed after about two weeks, and the complete disappearance of spider veins will occur after a few weeks. Another method is laser vascular closure, which is a precise procedure during which the laser light beam affects only the selected vessel without damaging the epidermis. The laser light penetrates the broken vessel, causing it to heat up. As a result, coagulation occurs and the blood vessel is closed. The results will be visible after about three weeks, as the dead vessels are absorbed by the body. The method itself is virtually painless and requires no anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the treated area, it takes between 15 and 60 minutes. After 3 weeks, the lesions completely disappear or become less visible. Sometimes the doctor recommends repeating the procedure for better results.
Electrocoagulation treatment, which involves thermal damage to tissue proteins using a customized high-frequency laser beam, which leads to the evaporation of water from the vessel, which over time dies and disappears irreversibly, will also help in the treatment. This is a proven and almost painless technique in closing broken blood vessels, and the patient does not need convalescence. The procedure itself takes a few to several minutes.
Conclusion
Spider veins on the legs aren’t just a cosmetic concern; they signal deeper health issues. Understanding their causes—from genetics to lifestyle—is key to prevention. While some home remedies may help, effective treatment often requires professional care, like sclerotherapy or laser therapy. Taking action early prevents complications and improves leg health. Don’t ignore the signs—your legs deserve expert attention. Addressing the issue now means healthier, better-looking legs for the long term.
