---
title: Is There a Connection Between UV Rays and Spider Veins?
description: With exposure to sun, the risk of increased spider veins is possible. Find out what these UV rays do and how to protect against spider veins.
image: https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/iStock-1164224924.jpg
---

[![VINJ_TCVC-Logo.jpg](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New-VINJ_Logo.png?width=350&height=71&name=New-VINJ_Logo.png "VINJ_TCVC-Logo.jpg")](https://www.veininstitutenj.com)

[973-539-6900](tel:9735396900)

- [home](http://veininstitutenj.com/)
- [contact](http://veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Vein-Institute-of-New-Jersey-194043250629023/)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/veininstituteofnj/)
- [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter)
- [Patient Portal](https://gateway.aprima.com/portal/home/11101)

- [Home](http://veininstitutenj.com/)
- [Appointments](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/) 
    - [Locations](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/appointments/locations/)
    - [Schedule an Appointment](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/schedule/)
- [Our Practice](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/) 
    - [Why choose The Vein Institute of New Jersey?](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/why-choose-us/)
    - [More About Us](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/about-us/)
    - [Our Physicians](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/physicians/)
    - [Leadership & Integrity](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/)
    - [Accredited Vascular Lab](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/accredited-vascular-lab/)
    - [Testimonials](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/testimonials/)
    - [News, Events & Publications](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/news-and-publications/)
- [Vascular Conditions](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/) 
    - [About Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/about-veins/)
    - [Bleeding From Leg Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/bleeding-from-leg-veins/)
    - [Breast Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/breast-veins/)
    - [Deep Vein Thrombosis](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/)
    - [Discolored “Dark” Leg](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/discolored-dark-leg/)
    - [Hand Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/hand-veins/)
    - [Leg Swelling – Edema](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/leg-swelling/)
    - [Leg Ulcers – Sores](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/leg-ulcers/)
    - [Spider Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/spider-veins/)
    - [Varicose Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/varicose-veins/)
    - [Venous Reflux](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/venous-reflux/)
- [Treatments](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/) 
    - [Ambulatory Phlebectomy](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/ambulatory-phlebectomy/)
    - [Compression & Support Hosiery](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/compression-support-hosiery/)
    - [Endovenous Laser – VenaCure™](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/endovenous-laser/)
    - [Laser / Small Vein / Facial Laser](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/laser-small-vein-facial-laser/)
    - [Sclerotherapy](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/sclerotherapy/)
    - [Skin Rejuvenation](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/skin-rejuvenation/)
    - [Supportive Measures](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/supportive-measures/)
    - [Varithena Foam Sclerosant](https://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/varithena-foam-sclerosant/)
    - [Vein Treatment Comparisons](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/vein-treatment-comparisons/)
    - [VenaSeal Closure](https://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/venaseal-closure/)
    - [VNUS ClosureFAST™](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/vnus-closurefast/)
- [Patient Info](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/) 
    - [Contact Us](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
    - [e-Book Library](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/e-book-library/)
    - [Falls Prevention Guide](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/vinj-falls-prevention-guide)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/faq/)
    - [Healthy Recipes](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/healthy-recipes/)
    - [Insurance Providers](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/insurance/)
    - [Leg Swelling Assessment](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/leg-swelling-assessment/)
    - [Patient Forms](https://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/patient-forms/)
    - [Pre/Post Procedure Instructions](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/pre-post-procedure-instructions/)
    - [Second Opinions](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/who-gives-second-opinions)
    - [Self-Assessment](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/vein-or-vascular-self-assessment-form)
    - [Video Library](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/videos/)
- [Blog](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog)
- [Contact Information](http://veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
- [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter)
- [Patient Portal](https://apr-sb4.servicebus.windows.net/E47DDB4D-D1FC-4B61-80ED-09BA3DDC88F2/portal/11101/index.html#/login)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/veininstitutenj)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/veininstituteofnj/)

![pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TheCardiovascularCareGroup_October2017/Images/pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg?width=960&name=pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg "pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg")

# Vein Institute of NJ - Helpful Articles

Search…

Search Google

## Page:

[-1](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/page/-1)

![Is There a Connection Between UV Rays and Spider Veins?](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/iStock-1164224924.jpg)

# Is There a Connection Between UV Rays and Spider Veins?

- by [Dr. Salvador A. Cuadra, MD, FACS](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/author/dr.-salvador-a.-cuadra-md-facs)
- [July 7th, 2021](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/is-there-a-connection-between-uv-rays-and-spider-veins)
- - Share on

July is UV Safety Awareness Month and with summer in full swing and more skin exposed to the warm sun, this is a good time to remind you of the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and how they may relate to spider veins. 

What is ultraviolet radiation? These are invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to the skin and cause different types of skin cancer. Sun damage can also enlarge blood vessels and draw them closer to the skin resulting in the [spider veins](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/treating-veins-on-the-face-breast-and-hands) we may see on our body.

There are two types of [ultraviolet rays](https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/ultraviolet-uv-radiation) you should know about: **UVA rays** and **UVB rays**. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are short, high-energy wavelengths that are absorbed by the outermost layer of the skin. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays - longer than UVB rays - can also do lasting damage. They penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays, affecting the DNA of the cells in the dermis, attacking cell membranes, and changing the proteins that make up collagen and elastin, which support the skin's fibrous structure. 

As a result of this UV damage, your blood vessels are likely to weaken and dilate, causing the possibility of spider veins. While many cases of spider veins occur in the vessels of your legs, it’s not uncommon that they can also affect areas of your face. Even though this is generally a cosmetic issue, they can be quite symptomatic, causing aches and burning sensations.

## **What Can I Do to Protect Myself from UVs?**

Primary prevention involves reducing sun exposure. We recognize it’s nearly impossible to eliminate exposure, especially during the summer, but some common sense techniques will help, such as:

- Minimize or avoid being in the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, especially if you are fair-skinned. And if you are going to be out at these times, wear appropriate clothing and use sunscreens.
- Wear long-sleeved high-necked shirts and pants made of tightly-woven cloth, which will cover most of the body skin, in addition to wide-brimmed hats and good-quality sunglasses.
- Use sunscreens (even in the winter) that are broad-spectrum and have an SPF of at least 40 and above as recommended by the American Dermatological Association.
- Get frequent checkups of the skin to detect any premalignant changes.

And if spider veins do appear, either from sun damage or other factors, there are [sclerotherapy](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/sclerotherapy-treatments-for-problem-veins) treatments that may be used to remove these problem veins. Schedule an appointment today to determine the best treatment for you.

[![Complimentary Spider Vein Appointment](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3952114/5c0f4f5e-c4ed-40ff-9220-3427aadd68af.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3952114/5c0f4f5e-c4ed-40ff-9220-3427aadd68af)

[Previous page](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/what-is-an-angiogram-of-the-leg)

[Next page](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/the-signs-symptoms-and-how-to-manage-hyperlipidemia-and-vascular-disease)

### CATEGORIES

- [Arteries (59)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/arteries)
- [Health/Exercise (31)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/health-exercise)
- [Spider Veins (40)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/spider-veins)
- [Travel (5)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/travel)
- [Varicose Veins (54)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/varicose-veins)
- [Vascular Doctors/Staff (58)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vascular-doctors-staff)
- [Vascular Health (8)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vascular-health)
- [Vein Conditions (80)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vein-conditions)
- [Vein Treatments (91)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vein-treatments)

### Subscribe to VINJ Health News

### RECENT ARTICLES

Our “Top Doctor” rated, experienced and renowned faculty of Vascular specialists with 24/7 patient coverage, are all personally interested in your care.

[![Schedule Your Appointment Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3952114/95cba5d3-992a-48c1-bd3f-a7d7684c35dc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3952114/95cba5d3-992a-48c1-bd3f-a7d7684c35dc) OR CALL [(973) 539-6900](tel:9735396900)

### Learn More

- [Schedule Appointment](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/schedule/)
- [Our Practice](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/)
- [Contact Us](http://veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
- [Testimonials](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/testimonials/)
- [Patient Info](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/)
- [Video Library](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/videos/)
- [Vascular Conditions](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/)
- [Treatments](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/)
- [News, Events & Publications](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/news-and-publications/)

### Get In Touch

- [Map & Directions](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/map-and-directions/) to Vein Institute of New Jersey at The Cardiovascular Care Group
- Phone: [(973) 539-6900](tel:9735396900)
- Fax: [(973) 538-4115](tel:9735384115)
- [info@veininstitutenj.com](mailto:info@veininstitutenj.com)

[![NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Award%20Logos/NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255.png?width=200&name=NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255.png "NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255")](https://njtopdocs.com/nj-doctors/veins/)

[![NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Award%20Logos/NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px.png?width=300&height=260&name=NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px.png "NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px")](https://njmonthly.com/find-a-doctor/)

![seal_vein_1pmt](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/seal_vein_1pmt.png?width=150&height=161&name=seal_vein_1pmt.png "seal_vein_1pmt")

[![Accredited Vascular Testing Facility](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/seal_vascular_2019_trans.png?width=150&name=seal_vascular_2019_trans.png "Accredited Vascular Testing Facility")](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/accredited-vascular-lab/)

[![Castle Connolly Top Doctors emblem](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Castle-Connolly-Top-Doctors-Emblem-Large%20(4).jpg?width=944&name=Castle-Connolly-Top-Doctors-Emblem-Large%20(4).jpg "Castle Connolly Top Doctors emblem")](https://castleconnolly.com/)

 

©2021, Vein Institute of New Jersey. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy](http://veininstitutenj.com/privacy-policy/) |  [Terms and Conditions](https://veininstitutenj.com/terms-and-conditions/) |  [Non-Discrimination](https://veininstitutenj.com/non-discrimination-notice/) |  [HIPAA Notice](https://veininstitutenj.com/hipaa-notice/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Dr. Salvador A. Cuadra, MD, FACS",
    "url" : "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/author/dr.-salvador-a.-cuadra-md-facs"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2021-07-07T17:13:30.225Z",
  "datePublished" : "2021-07-07T17:04:37.000Z",
  "headline" : "Is There a Connection Between UV Rays and Spider Veins?",
  "image" : [ "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/iStock-1164224924.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/is-there-a-connection-between-uv-rays-and-spider-veins",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/New-VINJ_Logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "Vein Institute of NJ at The Cardiovascular Care Group"
  }
}
```