Is there anything I should not do if I have spider veins?

Nothing is completely forbidden but here are a few tips on things you should avoid or not do too much. In general, sitting and standing are worse for your veins than lying and walking.

If you have to sit for long periods, take time every now and then to put your feet up during the day and in the evening; in between times, move around as much as you can. Light compression stockings may help to prevent or relieve vein problems if you have to stand regularly for long periods.

Take care with long hot baths or showers, prolonged sunbathing, and long sessions in the sauna. On the one hand, these activities may improve your sense of wellbeing but, on the other, the heat causes the veins to dilate, especially those lying superficially (close to the skin). When small dilated veins such as spider veins are already present, they may become worse than before. It is therefore important to do things in moderation. At the end of a hot bath or shower, rinse your legs with cold water. A cold shower or cold plunge automatically follows a sauna. The cold stimulates the veins to constrict again.
For the sake of your veins, too, you should avoid becoming overweight and eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fibre. Smoking, the Pill, and hormone replacement therapy may also encourage varicose disease.

Do not always wear high heels – keep them for special occasions. At work and during the day comfortable flat shoes are better for venous function.