Varicose veins are a common disease

Here you will find answers to your questions on spider veins

Frequently asked questions

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are bluish or reddish-purple dilated veins in the skin, measuring up to 1 mm in diameter. They are the smallest type of varicose veins and often occur on the lower legs and the sides of the thigh. These small varicose veins may occur singly or in clusters and cover a relatively large area on the leg. Women in particular find their appearance unsightly because most of the spider veins can clearly be seen shimmering through the skin.

Spider veins often occur together with reticular varicose veins, which have a diameter of up to 3 mm and lie deeper in the skin.

Both types count as small varicose veins. Although they may sometimes cause symptoms, most people affected consider them to be mainly a cosmetic problem.