Visible veins on your hands, legs, arms, or chest can be harmless—but sometimes they signal a health issue. “Many people believe that these veins are benign,” but changes can also point to underlying problems.

**Common Causes**
Veins may become more noticeable due to:

* **Low body fat** – Less fat means less coverage.
* **Exercise** – Blood flow increases, making veins bulge.
* **Hot weather** – Heat causes veins to widen.
* **Ageing** – Thinner skin exposes veins.
* **Hormonal shifts** – Pregnancy or menopause may impact blood vessels.

**When to Worry**
See a doctor if:

* Veins appear suddenly *without known cause*.
* You notice **pain, swelling, or redness**—possible signs of **DVT** or **phlebitis**.
* Veins feel **hard or rope-like**, suggesting a clot or varicose veins.
* Skin around veins becomes **itchy, discolored, or ulcerated**.
* You notice new chest or abdominal veins—this can indicate **liver disease or cancer**.

**What to Do**
Check with a doctor if veins appear without reason, are painful, or accompanied by fatigue or swelling. As the article notes, “A brief trip to the doctor can provide you peace of mind… or early treatment if necessary.”