Spider Veins on Breasts

Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are blood vessels you can see just under the skin’s surface.¹ These damaged veins may appear purple, red, or blue. 

These veins don’t usually cause symptoms, but they can cause discomfort, itching, or burning in some rare cases.² Spider veins can occur on the face, breasts, legs, or other parts of the body.

Why Do I Have Spider Veins on the Breast?

Spider veins form because the small blood vessels under the skin become weak and expand as a result. The cause of the weakness in the blood vessels isn’t always clear. Some of the underlying conditions that could cause spider veins to develop on the breasts may include:³

• Injury or trauma to the breast 
• Broken capillaries on breast tissue
• Genetic syndromes
• Connective tissue disorders
• Hormonal changes

There are also people with risk factors that make it more likely for them to develop spider veins on the breasts or other parts of the body. For example, those who regularly lay out in the sun or go tanning may have a history of sun damage, which can increase the risk of spider veins. Another common reason for spider veins of the breasts is a previous breast augmentation, which can lead to the veins becoming more prominent. 

Symptoms of Spider Veins

Spider veins don’t usually cause symptoms. However, some can cause burning or pain sensation in the area. For the most part, you’ll probably only notice the vein itself. 

Spider veins are usually thin but spread out and look like a spider’s web, which is how they got their name. 

When To Call Your Doctor

It’s not always necessary to see your doctor or make a special appointment, as spider veins are primarily a cosmetic concern. However, if you also have varicose veins, the two together may cause some symptoms, like pain or itching, for which you’ll need to seek medical advice. 

If you haven’t had spider veins in the past and see a new or developing spider vein, you can set up an appointment with a vein specialist. While spider veins aren’t typically dangerous to your health, they can become unsightly and may cause some uncomfortable symptoms on rare occasions. It’s also believed that they could be an early sign of varicose vein disease, which is something you may want to discuss with your medical team. 

Symptoms you may want to call your doctor about include:⁴

• Twisted, painful veins
• The sudden development of new veins
• Itchy, painful, or red skin on the breasts
• Symptoms of illness, such as a high fever
• Chest pain

You can also speak to your medical provider about the appearance of the spider veins if you’re concerned about them aesthetically. 

At My Vein Treatment, we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for a way to get rid of spider veins or just want to know more about them, you can find all the information you need on our website. 

SOURCES:

1. Cleveland Clinic: “Spider Veins.”
2. Cleveland Clinic: “Spider Veins.”
3. Cleveland Clinic: “Spider Veins.”
4. Medical News Today: “5 causes of veins on the breasts.”