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Varicose Veins (cont.)

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What are varicose veins and spider veins?

Veins can bulge with pools of blood when they fail to circulate the blood properly. These visible and bulging veins, called varicose veins, are more common in the legs and thighs, but can develop anywhere in the body.

Large varicose veins can be visible, bulging, palpable (can be felt by touching), long, and dilated (greater than 4 millimeters in diameter).

Small "spider veins" also can appear on the skin's surface. These may look like short, fine lines, "starburst" clusters, or a web-like maze. They are typically not palpable. Spider veins are most common in the thighs, ankles, and feet. They may also appear on the face. The medical term for them spider veins is telangiectasias.

Picture of Varicose Veins

Picture of Varicose Veins

Picture of Spider Veins

Picture of Spider Veins

Who gets varicose and spider veins?

Varicose and spider veins can occur in men or women of any age, but most frequently affect women in the childbearing years and older people. Varicose veins are very common. Some estimates suggest that about 10%-15% of men and 20%-25% of women suffer from varicose veins.

A family history of varicose veins and older age increase one's tendency to develop varicose and spider veins.

Other risk factors include:


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