http://www.veinswithoutsurgery.com/services/varicose-veins - Spider and varicose veins are superficial veins that have been damaged so that they no longer can pass blood effectively. The blood pools in these veins and may look red, blue, or purple in color. These unsightly veins may appear as a result of a number of factors, including pregnancy, being on your feet for long periods of time, weight gain, or simply genetics.