Spider veins

Spider veins are small varicose veins with a diameter of less than 1 mm

The bluish or reddish-purple spider veins can be seen shining clearly through the skin

Very small varicose veins lying in the skin, with a diameter of less than 1 mm. The bluish or reddish-purple dilated veins can be seen shining clearly through the skin, particularly on the lower leg and the sides of the thighs. More than 60% of adults in Germany have spider veins. They may appear dotted, stripy, fan shaped, or star-like. So they are also called thread veins, star bursts, and telangiectasia. Spider veins may occur singly or in clusters and cover a relatively large area on the leg. They are not always merely an aesthetic or cosmetic problem. Particularly the pronounced spider veins may cause symptoms and be the first visible sign of venous insufficiency that will become worse with time. They may occur in isolation or together with larger varicose veins. If you have spider veins, it is better to err on the side of caution and get your general practitioner or a vein specialist (phlebologist) to have a look at them.