Are Spider Veins Dangerous?

• 18 January 2024
• Dr Zil Yassine

Last updated on April 22, 2024

Spider veins aren’t usually dangerous. They are tiny surface veins. As you have thousands of surface veins (and your body can make more if pressed), having a few not function properly won’t be dangerous. In fact, it’s unlikely to cause any symptoms, aside from the red-purple appearance. But, in some cases, spider veins may point to an underlying issue.

When are spider veins dangerous?

On their own, spider veins are pretty much just an aesthetic concern. They become more than aesthetic concern if they come with pain, itching, and swelling. These symptoms are typically present if you have Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency is when a few tiny valves in your veins stop closing properly. Once that happens, blood starts slipping through the gap and pooling in the vein. In larger superficial veins, this can impair circulation and cause the vein to overflow and sometimes bulge with blood, overwhelming the small surface veins attached to it.

Should I treat my spider veins?

If you are not feeling any symptoms of pain, swelling, or heaviness, it’s entirely up to you. However, it’s always best to see a specialist to check on your overall vein condition. CVI can sometimes be present without symptoms, so it is a good idea to rule it out even if you don’t want to pursue aesthetic spider vein treatment.

If you are feeling these symptoms, we strongly recommend seeing a specialist. Left unaddressed, CVI can result in bulging, painful varicose veins that may lead to dangerous conditions down the line:

• Venous ulceration: an open sore that’s slow to heal and very difficult to treat
• Stasis dermatitis: your skin becomes dry, crusty, and hard, making it more prone to infection
• Deep Vein Thrombosis: a blood clot in the deep vein that may dislodge and travel to the lungs

Don’t worry, though. If you seek specialist advice early, you can stop your condition from progressing that far. Spider veins can be treated in a few ways,  including transdermal laser, sclerotherapy, Cryo Laser and Cryo Sclerotherapy (CLaCS), VeinWave, and more. If they’re linked to an underlying varicose vein, these can also be treated through non-surgical techniques.

Consult with the specialists

At Spider Veins Australia, we’ll do a thorough examination of your veins. The Accuvein Vein Viewer will let us see if your spider veins have popped up on their own or if a varicose vein is the cause.

Book a consultation by calling 0483948908. We’ll be happy to help.

About The Author

Dr Zil Yassine

Dr Zil Yassine is a practising doctor of over 15 years and an expert in non-invasive varicose vein treatments. Zil is dedicated and passionate about vascular health and staying up-to-date on the latest technology. Providing patients with the best care is Zil’s number one priority. As the Medical Director of The Vein Institute, he’s responsible for training doctors to diagnose vein diseases and ensuring they perform treatments to the highest standard. Dr Zil proudly holds a Bachelor of Medicine (UNSW), Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Phlebology (ACP), and is a fellow of FRACGP, F(Phleb UK).