Posted on 14th April, 2023 at 4:48:48 AM
Most people with varicose veins do not develop complications. It is impossible to predict who will develop complications. The visible size of the varicose veins is not related to whether complications will develop:
Superficial thrombophlebitis - This is the formation of a blood clot in the varicose vein. It causes redness and pain, and the area is tender. It is not dangerous unless it is very extensive and approaches one of the junctions with deep veins. This type of clot is unlikely to dislodge and move to the lungs (unlike the ones in the deep veins). It is an uncommon occurrence.
Bleeding - If the varicose vein is covered by very thin skin, minor injuries may cause bleeding. This can be severe and may require emergency admission to the hospital.
If you have had varicose veins for a number of years, these conditions may arise:
Venous Eczema - this may occur over large varicose veins or around the ankle. It causes dry, red, flaky, and itchy skin
Venous Pigmentation - this is brown staining of the skin around the ankle. It is due to the leakage of a small amount of blood from the veins into the skin
Lipodermatosclerosis - this is the next stage up from pigmentation in that the fat under the skin is thickened and the skin feels hard and swollen. This is at high risk of breaking down to form an ulcer after a minor injury
Venous Ulceration - ulcers at the ankle.
Please note that the presence of a sudden area of pain and discoloration in the region of the legs, especially the calves, should be treated as an emergency as it may be indicative of deep vein thrombosis.
Do I need treatment for varicose veins?
