Thread veins
Not all visible veins in the legs are varicose veins. Small veins underneath the skin, known as thread veins, spider veins or reticular veins, may become prominent due to a variety of different reasons. They can cause symptoms of discomfort, itching and irritation as well as being unsightly.
Often the appearance of thread veins is due to the effect of daily wear and tear on delicate skin and local treatments are effective. However, sometimes thread veins are an indication of underlying varicose veins which may not be visible on examination.
Treatment of the thread veins will not be successful unless the underlying problem - for example the varicose veins - has been corrected first. Therefore, a thorough venous assessment is necessary before initiating any local treatment for thread veins. This could include injection microsclerotherapy or Veinwave therapy.
Once underlying varicose veins have been treated or excluded, local treatment of the thread veins is much more likely to be successful.
