Spider veins

Spider veins are small blood vessels that can be seen through the skin.

Spider veins do not usually cause symptoms, although some people may feel mild itching or burning.

Spider veins are common and generally are not a serious health problem.

If you don't like the way they look, you might try cosmetic treatments. Treatment may include sclerotherapy, in which a chemical injection into a vein makes it close. Or it may include laser therapy, which scars and closes a vein. A closed vein loses its source of blood and dies. This makes it likely to fade or disappear.