Varicose veins are large veins that are usually found on the back of the legs or calves and can either be flesh coloured, blue or dark purple. They appear swollen or raised above the skin’s surface. Spider veins are similar but are smaller, red or blue in colour and closer to the skin’s surface. They look like tree branches or spider webs and are also usually on the legs.

Varicose and spider veins are caused by pooled blood that has collected in the veins causing it to enlarge. This occurs when the valves prevent blood from correctly flowing around the body. Both types of veins appear on the legs because of the pressure of body weight and gravity which makes pumping blood back up and down from the legs more difficult for the heart, causing a build up of blood on the legs.

Hormone changes during pregnancy or menopause, standing for long lengths of time or sun exposure may also cause of spider veins. Varicose or spider veins affects the over 50s both men and women.

Symptoms include aches and tiredness of the legs, swelling, darkening of the skin in affected areas, numbness, itching or rashes on the legs.

Varicose or spider veins can grow over time and cause health and blood circulation problems. Infected veins may lead to severe venous insufficiency, which is where the increased pooling of blood in the veins slows down the return of blood to the heart which can cause blood clots and other severe infections. Blood clots can also move from leg veins to the lungs where they can block the heart and lungs from functioning and become fatal, causing a heart attack or stroke. Varicose or spider veins can also cause skin ulcers and open sores on the skin tissue surrounding the affecting veins.

If left untreated, the infected veins could start bleeding when scratched too harshly or bumped against an object. Varicose or spider veins may also cause eczema.

Wearing compression stockings can relive the swelling and itching caused by varicose or spider veins but won’t prevent any more appearing. The stockings can also help the blood flow back up towards the heart. Surgery is the most effective way of getting rid of the infected veins, and ligation or stripping procedures, done under local anaesthetic, can remove them. An injection of sclerotherapy in either foam or liquid form into the veins can close them, and laser treatment to burn off the infected veins may also be recommended.