Spider veins are small, colorful veins that usually pop up on your thighs, calves, and ankles. They might look like tiny spiderwebs or thin lines that trail up and down like tree branches. They’re known in the medical world as telangiectasias. They aren’t nearly as common in men as they are in women.
Varicose veins, on the other hand, are bigger, darker, and often bulge. They can cause pain, whereas spider veins are usually a cosmetic issue alone. Both types of veins can make people feel extremely self-conscious and cause physical discomfort.
Varicose veins are typically only found on the calves, while facial veins and veins on the thighs or chest are usually spider veins.