When one thinks of vein treatment, the aesthetic aspect probably comes to mind first. These bluish-purple, bulging, and twisted veins are unsightly, making many self-conscious about their legs. However, there are hidden health risks of Upper East Side varicose veins. These veins may indicate issues with your circulatory system, and, if not treated, might put your heart health at risk. Continue reading to discover the hidden dangers of untreated varicose veins.
1. Changes In Skin
The skin near an untreated varicose vein will become “shiny,” feel thin and waxy, and develop a deeper, somewhat bruised coloring. Without treatment, this will darken over time. The skin near the varicose vein is easily upset and delicate enough to be harmed by a tiny bump.
It is common to sustain severe bruising. Although not a serious health risk, this symptom makes many individuals embarrassed about flaunting their skin. Dermatitis from the varicose veins could also result in an infection, if not treated appropriately.
2. Blood Clots
If you have varicose veins, your blood cannot cycle back through appropriately to your heart and accumulates in your lower body, especially the legs. This pooling causes blood stagnation. There are two forms of blood clots, namely deep vein clots (deep vein thrombosis) and superficial blood clots (phlebitis).
Unlike phlebitis, which is not a serious complication, deep vein clots can travel via the bloodstream to your lungs. This condition leads to possibly life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism, which could be fatal.
3. Itching
Another common complication of untreated varicose veins is experiencing an “itching” sensation. This “itchy” feeling is treated as dry skin if the varicose veins are not apparent.
Itching is one of the mildest complications of unaddressed varicose veins, and is easily treatable with over-the-counter skin ointments and salves. Consulting a specialist is crucial to ensure no severe issues are occurring underneath the skin.
4. Swelling
Varicose veins can result in far more issues than meets the eye. Do not assume they are simply noticeable little veins, as they are noticeable for a reason. Once blood is not pumping out of your legs properly because of damaged valves inside the vein walls, blood starts to pool.
This accumulation enlarges areas of the veins where blood pools. Although some individuals might never experience discomfort because of these damaged veins, many experience leg swelling, restlessness, cramps, and even burning sensations.
5. Leg Ulcers
Varicose veins can also result in leg ulcers. An ulcer is a break in your skin, which is dangerous because of exposure to infection and bacteria. These ulcers occur because of prolonged fluid accumulation in the tissues surrounding the varicose veins.
These leg ulcers are painful, and slow-healing and could even arise by scratching the skin covering a varicose vein. Healing leg ulcers may take a long time and frequently requires a wound care doctor.
Although numerous unsightly veins prove only superficial, there are potential health risks to ignoring them. These complications seem scary, and they actually are. Luckily, treating your varicose veins could help avoid most of these secondary concerns, or at least manage them if they have already developed. If you do not have any obvious symptoms but possess risk factors for varicose veins, visit a professional. A simple ultrasound test will help determine whether you have varicose veins.