Spider Veins

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are prominent clusters of small, damaged, and superficial blood vessels visible in the skin. They appear as thin red, blue, or purple lines. Most commonly found on the legs, spider veins may occur elsewhere, particularly on the face (see Image. Spider Telangiectasis).

Telangiectasias were first described by von Graf in 1807. "Telangiectasias" is derived from the Greek words telos (end), angeion (vessel), and ektasis (dilatation). Telangiectasias are also known as thread veins, venus flares, sunburst veins, stellate veins, and hyphen webs.

Spider veins rarely cause health issues but may occasionally become painful. However, telangiectasias are often a cosmetic concern, and treatments primarily focus on improving appearance.