5 Complications and Risks of Varicose Veins

What are the complications and risks of varicose veins?

1. Phlebitis
2. Deep Vein Thrombosis
3. Dermatitis and other skin complications
4. Bleeding
5. Ulcers

Introduction

Chronic venous insufficiency leads to heavy and painful legs, which can lead to more problems in the long run. That’s why a person with this condition should manage their situation. Alleviating pain associated with it helps you prevent worse issues from happening.

This article explores five complications and risks of varicose veins. Understanding these can help you navigate your case better. Read on to learn more.

Phlebitis

Phlebitis, also called thrombophlebitis, is vein inflammation that can be combined with hard and tender clots¹. It can be caused by stretching the vein wall, which can lead to difficulty in proper blood flow. It is usually seen in veins closer to our skin’s surface like varicose veins².

Individuals can get this condition when their vein experiences trauma like using an IV line³. It is not a serious complication and can heal on its own after 1-2 weeks⁴.

Some symptoms of this risk are near the area with the blood clot⁵. You may experience pain, red or discolored skin, swelling, and hot or warm skin.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Another complication and risk is the Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). It is a blood clot situation that occurs deep within the vein⁶. Severe varicose veins can develop this risk compared to those closer to the skin surface.

DVT can lead to more serious situations like pulmonary embolism¹, a life-threatening situation. It’s one of the chronic venous diseases a person can experience. It is caused by a blood clot that stops or blocks blood circulation to an artery⁷. The clot can form in your legs and travel up to the lungs.

A history of DVT in your family, being overweight, or obese, and having an autoimmune disease can increase your likelihood of getting this complication⁸.

Dermatitis and Other Skin Complications

Varicose veins can result in dermatitis and other skin complications. The skin gets inflamed from the swelling of the legs.² A rash can form the itchiness and skin flaking that can lead to venous stasis dermatitis or varicose eczema¹, which can be a long-term complication⁹. Apart from the scaly skin, it can also form blisters and crust.¹

If this condition is not treated promptly, a person may experience more complications¹⁰. These can be calf swelling, skin hardening, skin leaking fluids, open wounds, and more. To determine the skin condition due to varicose veins, the individual must undergo several tests¹⁰. The right varicose veins doctor will include tests like blood tests, allergy tests, and blood clot ultrasounds.

Bleeding

Bleeding can happen from a ruptured vein¹. It can be alarming because the blood flows backward as it comes out of the vein. If the varicose vein is close to the surface of the skin, any cut or trauma to the area can lead to bleeding or bruising under the skin².  If the cut is open, the bleeding can be difficult to stop.¹¹ It’s because the veins hold a large amount of blood².

Patients with varicose veins will not notice bleeding immediately¹². They usually notice it after spotting stains on their clothes or bedding. But it can also be more apparent with symptoms such as increased pain in the area, discoloration of the skin, and swelling in the affected vein.

Ulcers

Individuals and medical professionals can determine an ulcer with many indications¹³. These signs include aches, foul odor, itching, pus or other fluids, and swelling.

An ulcer or a venous ulcer can develop due to the increased pressure in the lower leg veins¹, specifically near the ankle area. It is the consequence of built-up fluid under the skin. The built-up fluid or pressure occurs when veins cannot properly circulate the blood to the heart¹⁴, causing an open sore to form. 

Key Takeaway

Not managing your varicose vein situation properly can lead to many complications. These risks pose a new set of problems that can make your day-to-day more difficult. Understanding these issues can help you better get an idea to check the state of your condition.

To help relieve yourself, you can take Diosmin + Hesperidin (Daflon® 1000). It is developed to improve the health of your veins from the inside out.