Appearance and depth
Spider veins are usually small, superficial vessels that appear red, blue, or purple in web-like patterns near the skin surface.
Varicose veins are typically larger, bulging, and raised. They reflect deeper valve dysfunction and are more likely to cause physical symptoms.
Symptoms and clinical significance
Spider veins are often cosmetic but can occasionally cause mild burning or aching. Varicose veins more commonly cause heaviness, throbbing, swelling, and fatigue.
Because varicose veins may signal chronic venous insufficiency, ultrasound evaluation is often recommended when symptoms are persistent.
Treatment differences
Spider veins are frequently treated with sclerotherapy or surface laser approaches, depending on pattern and vessel size.
Varicose veins often require a deeper strategy such as EVLT, closure procedures, or combination therapy to address reflux first and visible branches second.
When to seek a specialist
If you have pain, swelling, skin changes, or veins that keep worsening, specialist evaluation is appropriate even if cosmetic concerns brought you in first.
A physician-led vein exam helps separate cosmetic-only issues from medically significant disease and guides an effective, staged plan.
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