Deoxygenated blood from various body extremities including arms and legs are carried back into the heart using veins. Sometimes, when skin is stretched, the veins are more visible. Due to other various underlying reasons, these veins may become visible on the skin. Visible veins can be classified into;

• Spider veins: These are small superficial veins that are either purple or blue in color visible on the surface of the skin characterized by swelling and pain on the affected area.
• Varicose veins: These are larger veins that occur bulged on the skin surface characterized by swelling, pain, itchiness, and fatigue on the affected area.

There are various causes of veins to be more visible on the skin surface. These include;

Hormonal changes within the body

Both men and women are prone to hormonal changes especially progesterone and estrogen hormones. In women, pregnancy leads to increased levels of progesterone hormone associated with relaxation of vein walls. This increases blood pressure and buildup within veins thus increasing their visibility on the skin surface. Also, hormonal fluctuations during menopause are associated with dilation of veins thus increasing their visibility on the skin surface.

Increased temperature and sunburn

Increased exposure to high temperatures and the sun increases dilation of veins and impaired vein valves. This makes them more visible on the skin surface.

Excessive consumption of alcohol

Regular and excessive consumption of alcohol often leads to increased dilation of blood vessels. This causes more blood to flow through the veins thus resulting in their bulging and visibility on the skin.

Standing and sitting for long periods of time

Lack of movement associated with remaining in the same position for long periods of time reduces blood circulation and leads to accumulation of blood in both arms and legs due to impaired vein valves causing the development of both spider and varicose veins that are visible on the surface of the skin.

Increased weight

Increased weight gain in cases of obesity and pregnancy extorts excess pressure on veins of the legs and abdominal area. This results in their dilation and increased visibility.

Inflammation as a result of injury or autoimmune disorders

Injury and underlying autoimmune diseases are associated with vein inflammation in the affected area and the subsequent buildup of blood leading to bulging of veins on the skin surface.

Advancement in age

As age advances, the skin is prone to damage leading to thinning and reduced suppleness. This leads to increased visibility of veins on the skin surface. Advanced age also leads to weakening of vein valves allowing blood to build up within the veins enhancing their visibility on the skin.

Visible veins can be avoided by exercising, ensuring a good diet and avoiding the consumption of alcohol, exposure to direct sunlight and one position for long periods of time.