In some women and men, spider veinsthose small clusters of red, blue or purple veins that appear on the thighs, calves and anklesbecome noticeable at a young age. For others, the veins may not become obvious until much later.

Spider Veins are very small veins which become obvious when the pressure inside the vein increases enough to overcome normal resistance to blood flow. The ability of veins to resist increased pressure is greatly reduced among women when the blood level of estrogen is reduced.

Reticular Veins are small, bluish colored veins that carry blood to the skin venules and therefore, are larger. These veins have thin walls and dilate with excessive venous pressure. When this occurs, they become large enough to be unsightly, but are not considered to be varicose veins.

Varicose Veinsare large, bulging veins often associated with tired, painful or achy legs. Sometimes varicose veins are deeper under the skin surface and not visible, however, the symptoms tend to be the same.