Understanding the Causes and Risks of Thread Veins
The exact process that leads to the development of thread veins is not fully understood. What is clear, however, is that women are affected far more frequently than men, with studies showing that around seventy percent of adult women will experience spider veins at some point in their lives. These veins appear to be hormonally influenced and are often associated with pregnancy and the use of the oral contraceptive pill. While thread veins themselves rarely cause symptoms, the feeder veins deeper in the skin may occasionally lead to discomfort.
A number of factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing spider veins. A family predisposition is one of the strongest influences, and occupations that involve prolonged standing can also contribute. Other recognised risks include obesity, pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy. A history of blood clots, medical conditions that increase intra‑abdominal pressure such as tumours or chronic liver disease, and prolonged sun exposure are also linked to the appearance of thread veins.
Are My Thread Veins Dangerous?
In most cases, thread veins do not pose any serious health problems, although they may cause aching or discomfort in some individuals. On rare occasions, they may be a sign of more significant liver or intra‑abdominal conditions, which is why a proper medical assessment is important. At The Vein Clinic, your doctor will be able to exclude these causes during your consultation and provide reassurance.
For the majority of patients, the main concern with thread veins is cosmetic. They are often considered unsightly, and attempts to conceal them with clothing or cosmetic products can be disappointing. Fortunately, a straightforward and effective treatment called sclerotherapy is now widely used to correct unwanted thread veins of the legs. This minimally invasive procedure provides excellent cosmetic results, requires little downtime, and offers long‑lasting improvement when supported by good aftercare.