Thread veins, broken veins or telangiectasia are the small red or blue veins which can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the face and legs. Thread veins are caused by a variety of factors including exposure to ultra violet light, wind and extremes of temperature. Steroid creams and the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can also induce thread veins.
Some individuals are genetically more prone to develop thread veins than others and some people are more at risk because of old injuries or because they have occupations where they stand for long periods and develop leg veins. It is possible that hormone treatments, such as the contraceptive pill and HRT can increase the likelihood of forming thread veins.
Croydon Cosmetic Clinic uses Sclerotherapy for treatment of veins. You will be advised in advance during consultation if a consultation with the vascular surgeon is recommended.