Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
Spider veins are small sized tortuous veins easily visible on the skin surface in red, blue or purple color. They are most commonly seen on the legs, chest or face.
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red or flesh-colored. They are often raised above the skin on legs and look like twisted, bulging chords. If left untreated, varicose veins can progress to a more serious form of vein (venous) disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Given the prevailing misunderstanding that varicose veins are only a cosmetic issue, only 1.9 million of the more than 30 million Americans who suffer from varicose veins or CVI seek treatment.
Many people misunderstand the causes, risks and treatments for varicose veins.