Are Prominent Hand Veins a Concern or Just Cosmetic?

If your hand veins are becoming more visible, you might wonder whether it’s a sign of a health problem or just a cosmetic issue. Visible veins on your hands can look alarming at first, but in many cases, they’re completely normal.

Still, there are times when visible veins can point to an underlying vascular concern. So, how do you tell the difference?

Below, fellowship-trained, double-board-certified vein and vascular specialist Dr. Jacobs explains when hand veins may be a concern and when to seek help at Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine.

Why do hand veins become more noticeable?

There isn’t a singular reason why your veins appear more prominent. You might notice that your veins are more noticeable because of:

Aging

As you age, your skin naturally becomes thinner and loses elasticity. In fact, collagen breaks down about 1.5% each year. Thinner skin means that your veins are more visible.

Low body fat

Low body fat and frequent exercise can also contribute to the appearance of prominent veins. In these cases, visible veins are typically harmless.

Genetics

If your parents or relatives have prominent veins, you may naturally inherit thinner skin, lower body fat, or vein placement that makes yours more noticeable.

When to worry about hand veins

If your veins suddenly become enlarged, twisted, or painful, it could signal a vascular condition, such as varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, or chronic venous insufficiency.

These issues occur when the one-way valves in your veins weaken and make it harder for blood to flow efficiently back to your heart.

You might notice varicose veins on other parts of your body, too. The legs and ankles are common spots to see twisted veins.

When to see a specialist for hand veins

You should schedule an evaluation if you notice:

New or worsening bulging veins
Swelling near the bulging veins
Tenderness
Changes in your skin color or texture
A heavy or achy feeling in your hands
Varicose veins in other parts of your body, including your legs

These symptoms could indicate poor vein function or a deeper vascular issue that needs medical attention. Dr. Jacobs can utilize advanced, tablet-based ultrasound imaging to assess your circulation and identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.

If there is any issue, Dr. Jacobs can recommend the right treatment to address those vascular challenges.

Cosmetic options for hand veins

Even when prominent veins are purely cosmetic, you have treatment options if they bother you.

Dr. Jacobs may recommend minimally invasive protocols, such as sclerotherapy, to reduce the visibility of unwanted veins on your hands. During your procedure, he injects an oxygen foam sclerosant (via tiny needles) into your problematic veins.

The foam causes the bulging veins to shut down. As a result, blood is rerouted through healthier veins.

Scelerotherapy for hand veins is quick, effective, and requires little to no downtime.

Let’s talk about your hand veins

Most of the time, prominent hand veins are simply a result of aging, genetics, or an active lifestyle and aren’t a cause for concern. That being said, if you experience discomfort or sudden changes, it’s best to have them evaluated by Dr. Jacobs.

At South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine in Rockville Centre, New York, we can help you determine whether your hand veins are cosmetic or medical and guide you toward the best solution.