Cause and Symptoms of Bulging Forehead Veins

Bulging veins,  on your face, are often no cause for concern. 

They’re typically seen on the front of your forehead or on the sides of your face by your temples. While they can often be associated with age, protruding forehead veins can be a sign of pressure or stress.

Bulging forehead veins are common. If they’re accompanied with pain, however, you should consult your doctor.  

Causes Bulging Forehead Veins

Large forehead veins are often visible because of genetics or age. As you get older, your skin becomes thinner and may reveal the veins underneath.

 Age can also increase the risk of vascular issues. If you have pale skin, you may notice blue-tinged veins, too.

Veins may also be more visible if you’re of lower weight. People who are underweight or have little body fat may have tighter skin. This allows easier visibility to notice veins in your forehead, along with other parts of your body.

Some reasons that may cause your forehead veins to bulge.

Pressure or strain

When you laugh, pressure increases in your chest, causing veins to expand.The same can be said about frequent sneezing, exercise, and severe vomiting.

Tension headaches and eye strain can also increase pressure in your head and veins. Some symptoms require medical attention.

 See your doctor if you’re experiencing:

• laughing
• sneezing
• screaming
• crying
• vomiting
• exercising
• headaches
• Pain
• Dizziness
• Vision issues

Pregnancy

Hormone changes during pregnancy can lead to higher blood volume, which may result in enlarged veins.

E.g

Progesterone levels:- increase during pregnancy, thickens the uterine lining, preparing the uterus to receive a fertilized egg. Also dilates or expands the blood vessels, which may make them appear larger under the skin.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), progesterone levels are ten times higher in females who are pregnant than those who are not.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure  can cause your veins to bulge. It can also be indication of a lingering heart issue.

If you notice a bulging forehead vein that’s accompanied with chest pain or other irregular symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Sun exposure

Staying in the sun too long or frequent sunburns can cause spider veins to bulge on your face. The sun can dilate, or enlarge, your blood vessels. This can cause them to bulge. It can also weaken the surrounding skin tissue.

 If you have weaker veins, sun overexposure can prevent them from shrinking back to normal size.

Before pursuing any treatment option, discuss the risks with your doctor and ensure there are no lingering health concerns. 

Treatments for forehead veins include:

• Electrosurgery. This minimally invasive procedure uses an electric current from a hand needle to destroy blood vessels. Though quick, this treatment can be painful.
• Sclerotherapy. Your doctor will inject the enlarged vein with a solution that causes it to shrink, close, and become reabsorbed into the body. Sclerotherapy can be a risky procedure for facial veins. Any complications could be life-threatening. Discuss your options with your doctor prior to pursuing this treatment.
• Laser surgery. This less-invasive option uses bursts of laser light to close your veins. They’ll eventually fade and even disappear.
• Surgery. For larger veins, surgery may be the only option. Your doctor will surgically remove the vein or close it off.