Here's What Might Be Causing A Bulging Vein In Your Forehead

As we age, it's normal to notice our veins becoming more pronounced beneath our skin. Otherwise known as varicose veins, these bulging, twisted veins are most often found on the legs, according to experts at Mayo Clinic. While not exactly the same as varicose veins, protruding veins on the forehead can take on a similar appearance.

Bulging forehead veins may appear around one's temples or directly on the front of the forehead, reports Healthline. Those towards the front of the head are known as supratrochlear veins (via The Whiteley Clinic). Running from the hairline towards the center of the eyebrows, some people have just one supratrochlear vein, while others may have as many as four. The appearance of these veins often becomes more pronounced with heat, exercise, or alcohol consumption.

Generally speaking, bulging forehead veins are more of an aesthetic concern for patients rather than a medical issue to be worried about. However, there are some cases in which these veins may signal a potential medical condition.

For some people, more pronounced forehead veins are merely a consequence of natural aging as our skin begins to thin over time. In other cases, it may be the product of tension or strain. This pressure may have milder causes, such as a forceful sneeze or laugh. However, it can also result from chronic tension headaches or continual strain on the eyes. Symptoms of dizziness, pain, or vision problems will warrant a visit with your physician.

Alternatively, prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause pre-existing spider veins to swell — due to the dilation of blood vessels. Also found on the cheeks and nose, these veins may not always return to their original size if a person naturally has weaker veins. In more serious cases, a bulging forehead vein may be a sign of a residual heart problem or hypotension. For those with high blood pressure, the heightened circulation to their head can prompt bulging in the forehead veins.

As previously mentioned, most cases of bulging forehead veins are a cosmetic concern for patients — rather than a medical concern. Therefore, once you've ruled out any potential health issues with your doctor, you may choose to pursue laser surgery, electrosurgery, or surgical removal of the vein in order to make it less pronounced. Sclerotherapy is another treatment option well-suited for some patients. It involves injecting a solution into the vein that prompts it to diminish and withdraw into the body. While generally considered safe and effective, Medical News Today points out that severe inflammation, permanent scarring, allergic reactions, and bacterial infection are potential risks of undergoing sclerotherapy.

While medical treatment is the only way to go about reducing the appearance of bulging forehead veins, individuals can still take steps to help prevent them from worsening. Experts at the Vein and Vascular Institute advise wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, minimizing sun exposure, reducing alcohol consumption, and gently washing one's face with warm water instead of scrubbing harshly with hot water.