The blue and red star bursts seen on the backs of the legs and thighs of many women are called spider veins, and the large blue ropey bulges are called varicose veins. Not only is this condition unsightly and embarrassing, the legs may ache at times, and feel hot to the touch. Spider veins are just below the surface of the skin and may be accidentally nicked while shaving. When this occurs, the bleeding may be profuse. Why some women get spider veins and others do not, is due in part to a hereditary condition called venous insufficiency. It seems to run in families, but the condition may also be due to environmental factors as well. Normally, arteries in the legs pump blood back to the heart as it sends oxygen throughout the body. But with a poor venous system, the arteries in the legs don’t pump efficiently, and that causes the veins to become extended from excess blood. Although spider veins may also be caused from this insufficiency, more often they are caused from environmental factors and personal habits, such as standing too long in one position, too much sun, hot baths, pregnancy, and being overweight.