Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, swollen veins tinged with red or bluish-purple often found on the legs. This condition that happens to around 25% of adults is caused by the veins’ failure to regulate blood flow. The blood then begins to collect in the veins instead of running directly to the heart thus the swollen appearance. It happens mostly on the leg area because the pressure in the lower body’s veins are increased due to standing and walking. Gravity also plays a part in the upward flow of the blood. 

Women more commonly get varicose veins as hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause increase their risk, not to mention age and family history. Standing for long periods of time and obesity are the other factors that add exorbitant pressure to the veins. 

Spider veins is a mild, less intimidating version of varicose veins. The veins do not bulge as much as varicose veins and are found closer to the surface of the skin. They can also be found on the face that look like bluish-purple spider webs.