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Thread Veins - Legs

Thread veins on the LEG are commonly called Spider veins, Broken Veins, Surface veins or Venous Flares. It doesn't really matter what you call them as long as you don't get them confused with Varicose veins.

If you have thread veins, you really should have a venous duplex ultrasound before having any treatment to make sure that you don't have leg pump failure underlying the thread veins.
Which sort of vein?
Thread Veins
Varicose Veins
Where are they? very near the surface deeper under the skin
What colour are they? Look red, blue or purple Look skin coloured or bluish/green
What size are they? Usually less than 1-2mm Usually larger than 2mm
Medical Importance?

Cosmetic only

rarely they can ache locally

BUT - May be a sign of underlying leg pump failure

Sign of underlying leg pump failure

Skin damage occuring due to venous reflux (see www.veins.co.uk)
What do they look like?