Both spider veins and varicose veins result from vein disease. Varicose veins are raised, swollen vessels that twist and coil beneath your skin, giving a bulging, ropey appearance. Spider veins are actually a smaller vein than what most consider “varicose veins.” Varicose veins are simply larger veins just below the skin surface and coil beneath. Spider veins are smaller versions and usually are single veins, but can also cluster.