Spider Veins

Spider Veins are fundamentally caused by structural abnormalities within a blood vessel.

These occur naturally, especially with age, and are caused by blood that has "pooled" within the veins. This puts pressure on the vascular walls, and the engorged vein develops reticular veins to compensate. 

Reticular Veins

Reticular Veins are often referred to as feeder veins, and look like dilated green and blue lines beneath the surface of the skin. They may exist independently in hereditary cases, but often are responsible for forming spider veins.

They are also considered a cosmetic problem, as they often do not lead to any complications.

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Risk Factors

Spider Veins are very common in adults, and it seems women develop them more than men.

There is a correlation between age, prolonged standing or sitting, hormone therapy, obesity, pregnancy, prior venous injuries, and a history of blood clots.