Crossing The Line: The Dangers Of Varicose And Spider Veins
Having varicose and spider veins can be a major beauty problem, especially for women. However, there is more to it than aesthetics. Problems related to these conditions go beyond discomfort and appearance. The dangers of varicose and spider veins can actually come to the point of having severe medical problems.
Since both of these conditions are circulatory problems, one way or another, they can lead to more severe circulatory complications. That's why it is important for you to know the dangers of varicose and spider veins.
Complications
There are main complications that you can get if your varicose and spider veins are left untreated. Commonly, the dangers of varicose and spider veins include bleeding, leg ulcers and phlebitis. The other dangers of varicose and spider veins, when untreated, include: eczema, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke.
When your varicose and spider veins are not that severe, you may consider it only as a beauty problem. However, when it comes to the point of high severity, your doctor may suggest that you undergo surgery or appropriate medical procedure for your case.
Bleeding
When you have varicose veins, they protrude just under your skin. Since spider and varicose veins are thin walled veins, scratching and bumping on them can lead to severe bleeding. They bleed more and easily than your healthy veins due to the unusually high pressure within them.
Phlebitis
One of the dangers of varicose and spider veins also include Phlebitis, which is a condition of having vein inflammation. One kind of phlebitis affecting varicose veins is the condition superficial thrombophlebitis, which is vein inflammation just below your skin surface, which is an outcome of a small blood clot.
The most severe consequence of having this condition is the probability for you to develop a postphlebitic leg, also known as stasis syndrome. The concerned area of a postphlebitic leg can become scaly, discolored, and swollen. You can also have hardened areas under your skin and develop painful ulcers.
Leg Ulcers
Another danger would be the development of ulcers, which are open sores. It is commonly considered as the most bothersome complication of having varicose veins. The elderly are more prevalent of developing this condition.
When leg ulcers start to appear, you should seek your doctor's consultation as soon as possible. This is because ulcers usually require several weeks up to many months of intense professional care before you achieve total healing.
Other Dangers
Other dangers like eczema, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke can occur when you get a severe blood clot from your vein problem. Other risk factors play a role on determining if you have a high risk of developing these secondary conditions due to varicose and spider veins. However, it remains that the best way to know is to ask your doctor about it.
