When the veins close to our skin’s surface get twisted or become enlarged, it results in varicose veins. These bluish purple looking veins are not only unappealing to the eyes, but if left untreated, they can lead to serious medical issues.
Every year, a lot of people face the issue of varicose veins. Even though these veins are common to both men and women, they seem to be more recurring in women. Varicose vein is the sign that your circulatory health is at risk, and if it goes untreated, it will result in serious circulatory health problems.
In this blog, you will learn about the hidden dangers of varicose or spider veins if they are not treated on time. If you want to know everything concerning the topic, make sure you don’t skip a part.
What are varicose veins exactly and why are they not just a cosmetic issue?
When the veins under the skin get bulgy and twisted, we call them varicose veins. Although they can appear on any part of the skin, yet they are most common on the legs.
It is not always necessary to treat these veins as sometimes they are just a cosmetic issue. When these awkward looking veins are not painful and are just a cosmetic condition, they are called spider veins.
Spider veins are not very dangerous and may fade away with time. They are actually the smaller version of varicose veins and look like small spider webs. Unlike spider veins, varicose veins are dangerous and, in the long run, can cause serious health issues.
When the valves in the veins which are made to prevent backflow of the blood get leaky, it forms varicose veins. Moreover, if the veins become weak for multiple reasons and fail to bear the blood pressure, it can result in twisted blood vessels underneath the skin called varicose veins.
Varicose veins may lead to numerous problems in the legs and wherever they appear. Hence, you should never treat it like just a cosmetic issue. Now let’s learn about the hidden dangers of varicose veins, and treating them is a necessity.
Why should you not leave varicose veins untreated?
Swollen legs
When the vein becomes unable to bear the pressure, fluid from the blood can leak into surrounding tissues. It causes swelling and irritations in the legs, especially after removing your socks and shoes.
If the issue of varicose veins has become more serious, your shoes may not fit your legs due to being extremely swollen. In certain cases, you may notice a clear or slightly yellowish fluid leaking from your legs. If the issue continues to worsen, you may notice a change in skin color and texture.
Skin infection
Varicose veins may also lead to a skin infection. Bacteria present in the skin can get into the body, which causes a skin infection called cellulitis. This happens because when the tissues get stretched due to swelling, it reduces the body’s natural defense system against infections.
The infection results in redness and warmth in one particular area of the skin. You will need to take immediate medical help to treat this issue before it worsens.
Skin ulcers
Skin ulcers are another danger of untreated varicose veins. The skin swelling because of varicose veins restricts the healing from even minor injuries. This happens because the damaged or swollen tissues limit the flow of oxygen and essential nutrients into the tissues, which otherwise help in skin healing.
The unhealed tissues ultimately result in skin ulcers. The best way to avoid skin ulcers is to treat the vein swelling as soon as possible.
Bleeding
Varicose veins store larger than normal amounts of blood, and it sits right below the skin’s surface. If for any reason, these veins get cut or hit, you will experience significant blood loss. The bleeding will take longer than usual to stop if the cut is deep.
Deep vein thrombosis
It is a serious medical condition where blood clots develop in deeper veins. In this condition, the legs get red, swollen, and painful.
In even serious conditions, the blood clots may break and move to the lungs, which may result in an even dangerous condition called pulmonary embolism. The severity of the issue calls for urgent medical aid to avoid life-threatening danger.
Thrombophlebitis
In this condition also, blood clots are developed in the varicose veins. The area where blood clots are formed becomes hard, painful, and warm.
These are some of the hidden dangers of untreated varicose veins. Varicose veins may occur in anybody, and unfortunately, there are no preventive measures as well. People with family history of varicose veins and overweight people are more vulnerable to get these veins.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you learned about the dangers involved in these ugly looking varicose veins. If you ever feel the appearance of these veins, don’t make the mistake of ignoring them. An earlier approach to these varicose veins is the best way to avoid serious medical issues!
