You may have noticed these fine, bluish veins snaking across the backs of your hands. Sometimes discreet, sometimes very pronounced, they often raise questions. Is this normal? Is it a sign of a health problem? Good news: in the majority of cases, these visible veins are harmless. But there are also situations where it’s best to seek medical help. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Why do we see blue veins?
From an anatomical point of view, these superficial veins are simply part of our circulatory system. Located just under the skin, they become more or less visible depending on various completely natural factors.
So, if you have light or thin skin, it’s perfectly normal for your veins to be more visible. In people with darker skin, they’re much less noticeable.
Age also plays a role : over time, the skin loses its thickness, which makes the veins more visible.
Another common cause: a very thin figure. When the subcutaneous fat layer is reduced, the veins stand out more. This is often the case in athletes or people who practice regular physical activity. Working muscles temporarily push the veins towards the surface of the skin. Once the body is at rest, this effect naturally diminishes.
Finally, during pregnancy , many women experience this phenomenon, as the venous system then has to work more intensively to meet the body’s needs.
