causes of spider veins

Varicose vein homepage

What causes spider veins? The exact causes of spider veins, like varicose veins is not completely known yet. But it seems that women get them more than men do. This could be down to pregnancy and female hormones. There are also numerous other causes of spider veins:-

Heredity. Spider veins, like varicose veins are thought to be heavily influenced if they run in the family.
Age. The development of spider veins usually occurs between 18 and 35, and they peak at around 50-60.
Gender. Females are affected 4 times more than males.
Pregnancy. During pregnancy hormones weaken the vein walls. There is also a rise in blood volume during pregnancy which can damage the valves in the veins.
Lifestyle. Again, standing for long periods of time will not help.
Sunburn. Spider veins can appear if you stay in the sun for long periods of time.

I have spider veins around my right ankle. This can be caused by having varicose veins, so the two can be related. My dad also has spider and varicose veins. I like to check up on my dad so i know what i am in store for when i get older!!