Spider veins and varicose veins are two types of damaged blood vessels. They occur when blood becomes backed up in eroding valves. A spider vein is essentially a milder form of a varicose vein.

Varicose veins are typically swollen and raised. Spider veins appear as much smaller and fainter webs of damaged blood cells.

Both conditions commonly occur on the legs, though they may also appear on the face or other parts of the body.

While anyone can develop either varicose or spider veins, they become more common with age.

Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between spider veins and varicose veins.

You can usually distinguish a spider vein from a varicose vein just by looking at it.

Spider veins typically appear:

  • small and faint
  • flush with the skin
  • reddish or discolored
  • in branches or webs

They often occur on the face or legs and are typically painless, though in some cases they may cause pain.

Meanwhile, varicose veins usually appear to be:

  • deeper
  • bulging
  • larger
  • twisting
  • reddish, purplish, or blueish

Varicose veins are typically around the:

  • inner thighs
  • calves
  • near the ankles

Unlike spider veins, they can cause pain or discomfort, such as a cramping or aching sensation.

Veins have one-way valves that open and shut, helping to keep blood pumped to the heart. These valves may sometimes weaken or become damaged.

When that happens, blood can pool and bulge in the veins and even flow backward, resulting in varicose veins.

Various factors can cause blood pressure to increase inside the veins, including:

  • pregnancy
  • overweight
  • obesity
  • sitting or standing for long periods
  • a sedentary lifestyle

Spider veins may also be caused by:

  • sun exposure
  • hormonal shifts
  • injuries

Spider veins do not necessarily develop into varicose veins.

Smaller, shallower valves turn into spider veins, while deeper veins tend to turn into varicose veins.

However, spider veins may emerge alongside varicose veins. When the varicose veins grow and bulge, they may put pressure on the surrounding superficial veins, causing spider-like “webs.”

Sometimes, it’s possible to manage spider veins and varicose veins with home remedies. These methods won’t reverse them, but they may prevent the veins from worsening or causing further pain or discomfort.

Remedies include:

  • exercising regularly
  • elevating your legs when sitting or lying down
  • avoiding sitting or standing for long periods
  • wearing compression socks
  • avoiding long, hot baths

These methods all help boost blood flow in your body, which can help with vein function.

To completely remove the veins, you may need to undergo a minimally invasive treatment. In-office methods for varicose and spider vein removal include:

  • Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment. It involves injecting a specialized solution directly into the veins, which seals them shut. Eventually, they’ll die off and disappear. You may need a few treatments to remove the veins completely.
  • Laser therapy: This approach uses heat to break down spider veins and smaller varicose veins on the face or legs. The laser technology will be directed at the veins from outside the skin. The veins will then gradually break down over the next several weeks. As with sclerotherapy, you may need several sessions.
  • Endovenous ablation: This involves making a small cut in your skin andusing either radiofrequency or laser technology to target the veins.
  • Surgery: Large, deep veins may require surgery if they don’t respond to other removal methods.

Spider veins typically don’t require treatment unless you don’t like the way they look. Varicose veins may require treatment if they cause pain or discomfort.

It is best to speak with a doctor as soon as there are concerns about varicose veins or spider veins. They will perform a physical examination, and they may order tests, such as an ultrasound and a venogram, to rule out other possible causes.

Your doctor can recommend home remedies that may help reduce any symptoms, and they can advise on whether they recommend surgically removing varicose veins or spider veins based on individual circumstances.

Spider veins and varicose veins are two types of damaged veins that cause blood to become backed up. While spider veins are typically painless, varicose veins may sometimes cause serious pain or discomfort.

Home remedies can help manage spider veins and varicose veins, but they will not cure them. There are various options for removing spider and varicose veins. Currently, sclerotherapy is the most popular option, followed by laser treatment.