However, genetics, estrogen and possibly progesterone are thought to play a role. Spider veins appear more frequently in women than in men and are particularly common in pregnant women and those taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. They tend to run in families and can occur at any age. The veins may also appear after a trauma to the leg. People do not need spider veins for circulation because the veins needed for that task are much deeper under the skin and closer to the muscles.
Spider veins are different from varicose veins.
Spider veins occur when small veins located just below the skin swell and appear in spider web-like patterns. Varicose veins are larger veins and when they swell, they may be painful and can cause the ankle to swell. Bank says getting rid of spider veins is safe and easy. The standard treatment is sclerotheraphy. It involves injecting a saline solution into the veins, causing the lining of the blood vessel to die.