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Understanding the difference between Thread and Varicose Veins

VARICOSE VEINS

In order to work properly, veins are equipped with valves that help our blood flow in the correct direction without backtracking, but when those valves fail, then Thread and Varicose Veins can form.

Varicose Veins and Spider Veins however are two entirely different leg problems that need to be addressed in varying, case-dependent, ways.

Spider Vein or Varicose Vein: What’s the difference?

Thread veins, also referred to as Spider veins are a common problem, occurring in roughly 15% of men and 25% of women. They are small, thread-like purple or red lines with a maximum diameter of around 1mm that rest very near the surface of the skin. Thread veins are normally flat and very rarely protrude outwards or create a bump.

They occur when blood vessels lose their elasticity and widen. Factors that attribute to thread veins include genetics, minor injury, sun damage, weight gain, pregnancy, age, hormones, history of blood clots and excess pressure (sneezing can cause thread veins on the face).

They can be found on the legs and face including veins under the eyes.

Very fine or light spider veins are usually just cosmetic and can often be addressed by a specialist therapist with laser treatment or micro sclerotherapy.

Varicose veins are large veins, often Dermapen Microneedling with ÜBER Pro Peel a diameter of ¼ of an inch or more. They will sometimes grow from their original size and can be painful and itchy for sufferers, with throbbing and tired legs a common occurrence. In terms of appearance, varicose veins can somrtimes be blue or purple in colour. They often sit close to the the surface of the skin and can have a bumpy or lumpy or look.

The damaged veins occur when one-way valves that transport blood around our body fail, and cause a ‘reflux’ of blood in the channel. Like spider veins, the biggest factor in a varicose vein occurring is genetics, but weight gain, pregnancy, age and long periods of standing are also often attributed to the disease.

Varicose veins are a medical issue and always need to be addressed by an experienced surgeon to make sure they are rid of effectively.

The easiest way to understand how veins work is by comparing them to trees

The largest vein in your body connects straight to the heart and is known as the vena cava. There are two of them, the superior one, which carries blood from the upper body, and the one we’re interested in, which carries blood from the legs – the inferior vena cava.

The femoral vein is connected to the inferior vena cava and is the longest vein in your body, spanning the length of both your legs. These are paired with an artery and lie deep within groups of muscles. They are connected to superficial veins by perforator veins, which are an essential part of the blood drainage system.

Superficial veins like the saphenous veins are the ones that lie closest to the skin and are subject to becoming varicose. They carry less blood than deep veins and play an important part in cooling the body. These veins become varicose when their valves stop functioning properly, causing blood to pool and the vein to become large and swollen.

Varicose Veins are usually blue or purple, with a torturous, raised pattern. They can become itchy, cause you discomfort when walking and they can also be painful.