By Katherine Kozlowski, Contributor to Vein News and VeinsVeinsVeins.com
Is smoking linked to developing spider veins ?
Some evidence suggests that smoking is linked to spider veins as spider veins are a consequence of venous insufficiency.
A study published by Gourgou and colleagues in 2002 (see reference below) showed that in a controlled study in France that lower limb venous insufficiency is significantly associated with tobacco smoking (OR = 1.7 for 10-19 cigarettes/day and OR = 2.4 for 20 cigarettes/day or more; p < 0.001). These results suggest that smoking is significantly associated with lower limb venous insufficiency, in accordance with biologic data and physiopathologic mechanisms.
Are there other causative factors for the development of spider veins ?
Other causative factors for the development of spider veins include trauma and local tissue injury, venous thromboembolism, genetics, use of topical steroids and the use of female hormonal therapy, among others.
Reference: Gourgou S, Dedieu S, Sancho-Garnier H. Lower limb venous insufficiency and tobacco smoking: a case-controlled study. Am J Epidemiol 2002; 155: 1007-1015.