Feeling uncomfortable because of poor vein health? Though treatments can help, lifestyle changes may improve or even reduce some of your symptoms. Find out about how to improve your vein health with these simple lifestyle changes.
Do you think you might have a DVT? Call our DVT & LEG HEALTH HOTLINE 833-687-6887
By Colin Doyle, APRN
Don't let these common skin changes be confused with other dermatological conditions. See what types of discoloration and skin texture changes are commonly misdiagnosed when they are likely signs of vein disease.
Skin discoloration and texture changes are common signs of vein disease. These changes are also often confused with other dermatological conditions and may go misdiagnosed for years.
Skin changes associated with vein disease may include:
Vein disease can cause discoloration even if there are no visible varicose veins. Varicose veins, which bulge out from the skin’s surface, are only visible when your diseased veins are close enough to the surface of your skin. If your veins are deeper, they can cause symptoms of pain, swelling, discoloration, or ulceration all while never showing visible skin changes.
Vein disease causes discoloration in the leg when blood pools in the vessels instead of flowing back to the heart. As the blood collects, the pressure inside the vessels builds until the vessel leaks. This fluid is very irritating to the tissue and can cause inflammation or as it collects, swelling.
The fluid inside the vessels also contains red blood cells which are partially composed of iron. If the iron collects in the skin, it can oxidize or rust in the skin, turning the skin a darker shade of brown or black. The chronic inflammation can, over time, also cause scar tissue to develop in the skin, causing thickening and hardening to the skin. The hardened tissue isn't as flexible as normal issue and can crack, allowing the fluid that leaked into the tissue to weep out of the skin. This fluid can collect on the skin, causing scaling or it can erode the skin resulting in an ulceration.
If you’re noticing skin discoloration or other symptoms of skin changes related to vein disease, you should:
Request a free consultation for your symptoms today!
You Might Also Enjoy...
Feeling uncomfortable because of poor vein health? Though treatments can help, lifestyle changes may improve or even reduce some of your symptoms. Find out about how to improve your vein health with these simple lifestyle changes.
Suffering from painful swelling in your legs or extremities? Edema is a common reason for swelling throughout your body, but can have many underlying causes. Here is more information on what edema is and how it can be treated.
One of the first questions asked when it comes to any medical procedure is, “Does it hurt?” The curiosity is no different when it comes to sclerotherapy, a popular treatment for damaged veins. Read on to have this question, and more, answered.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but there can be significant challenges and risks for the future mother. Aside from swelling, especially later in the pregnancy, there is an increased risk of blood clots (DVT) during the pregnancy and post-delivery.
Smoking cigarettes affects almost every organ in your body. You’re likely familiar with how smoking affects your lungs, but did you know your veins are at risk as well? Read on to learn about how smoking can damage your veins.
Summer is almost here, which means it’s time to hit the beach. If varicose veins are making you self-conscious about your legs or causing you pain, find out how you can banish them just in time for swimsuit season.