Everyone knows that twisting, blue-tinged bulges just below the skin’s surface are a sure sign of varicose veins. But most of the time, these veins are not visible to the naked eye, and other changes in the skin provide telltale signs of abnormal veins and other advanced venous diseases as well. Some of these skin changes are often overlooked, or may be dismissed as advancing age or just cosmetic. Some can signal more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which a blood clot forms deep in the veins located near the bones and surrounded by muscle.
Skin changes to look for include:
- Redness;
- Noticeable skin thickening or skin thinning;
- Color changes on the legs and/or ankles, including splotchy brown stains;
- Dry, scaly, or inflamed and itchy skin;
- Swelling in the feet, ankles or calfs;
- Swelling and pain, particularly in the calf after sitting or standing for long periods of time;
- Open sores;
- Abnormal bleeding after a minor injury;
- Slow to heal cuts or scratches
If you experience any of these symptoms, call the St. Johns Vein Center toll-free at 877-640-VEIN (8346) and schedule a consultation. Don’t wait – If gone untreated, varicose veins can worsen and lead to more serious conditions. Act now to keep your legs healthy and attractive.
