When to Worry About Veins That Appear
1. Normal Reasons
Visible veins often occur for harmless reasons.
Factors like lower body fat, exercise,
or warm weather can make them “sit closer to the surface of the skin,” especially on the hands, arms, or legs.
2. Temporary Changes
During workouts, veins expand to improve circulation.
This makes them more noticeable until the body cools down.
Aging also thins the skin, so veins naturally look more prominent over time.
3. Hormonal and Physical Shifts
Hormonal changes—“such as those related to puberty,
pregnancy, or other natural fluctuations”—can affect blood flow and make veins appear more visible for a while.
4. When to Pay Attention
Sudden changes, veins that feel “warm, tender, or painful,” or swollen, twisted, or rope-like veins may signal circulation issues.
New veins on the chest or abdomen or any concerning changes are reasons to check with a doctor for reassurance.