Varicose Veins

Varicose veins occur when the venous valves function so poorly that blood cannot be pumped back to the heart effectively for oxygenation due to poor blood circulation. When blood circulation is poor, eczema can develop, causing itching around the varicose veins. This itching is a skin condition also called stasis dermatitis and often occurs on the lower legs and ankles.

To understand how itchy varicose veins occur, it is important to know why varicose veins develop in the first place.

Facts about Varicose Veins

In the body, we have veins that transport oxygen-poor blood back to the heart for oxygenation. In the veins are valves that regulate blood flow and prevent blood from flowing downwards instead of upwards. The venous valves wear out over time and can become defective. Factors such as age, heredity, overweight, pregnancy, and others affect the function of the venous valves. If the venous valves are defective, some of the blood that should pass through them will instead flow back and pool under the venous valves. The pressure increases in these pools of blood, causing varicose veins to form.

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Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, which are hereditary, will affect about thirty percent of the population at some point. There are several symptoms of varicose veins, the most common being:

  • Mild pain in the area around the varicose veins
  • Cramps in the lower leg
  • Heavy legs

Varicose veins develop slowly, and if not treated, the condition will worsen over time and can cause more severe symptoms, such as:

  • Thick and discoloured skin
  • Eczema
  • A burning sensation in the legs
  • Itchy skin around the varicose veins
  • Leg ulcers
  • Bleeding

A person who has had untreated varicose veins for a long time may experience:

  • Dry, cracked, shiny, and irritated skin
  • Purulent sores that are very difficult to heal

Itchy varicose veins often cause fluid accumulation around the ankles, and the skin becomes generally irritated, red, and itchy. The high pressure on the veins causes blood to seep out of the veins and into the skin. This type of skin condition, where varicose veins itch and eczema can develop, is called stasis dermatitis.

Why Do Varicose Veins Itch?

Stasis dermatitis can be a long-term condition causing inflammation, leg ulcers, itchy and irritated skin on the lower leg. Stasis dermatitis often arises due to underlying problems affecting blood circulation in the legs. That is, if a person has varicose veins, the itching can be due to other issues, such as chronic venous insufficiency, severe varicose veins, or phlebitis.

The condition where a person has itching in the varicose veins will worsen in people who already tend to have poor blood circulation. Some risk factors include:

  • Overweight
  • Age
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Blood clots

How Can a Person Avoid Itchy Varicose Veins?

Itchy varicose veins occur partly because blood circulation is poor. With this in mind, various precautions should be taken to try to prevent the condition from worsening and the varicose veins from itching and developing eczema or, in more severe cases, venous leg ulcers.

For a person who already has varicose veins, it is important to improve blood flow in the legs, and this can be done by:

  • Performing pump exercises
  • Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle
  • Keeping the legs elevated when sitting and lying down
  • Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods

By taking these precautions, a person can reduce the risk of varicose veins worsening and starting to itch.

How Are Itchy Varicose Veins Treated?

A person who already suffers from itching due to varicose veins has probably had varicose veins for a long time, leading to the condition worsening with itchy, irritated skin around the varicose veins, as well as possible eczema and skin changes. To get rid of the discomfort, treatment of the varicose veins is usually required.

Before deciding on the possible treatment of varicose veins, a clinical pre-examination with ultrasound, which can be performed at Åderbråcksklinikerna, is necessary.

Together with the vascular surgeon, the patient discusses a suitable treatment method for removing the varicose veins causing itching after the examination. All varicose vein treatments at Åderbråcksklinikerna are performed by specialised doctors, are extremely gentle, and are performed under local anaesthesia. After treatment for varicose veins, the patient can immediately return home for a short convalescence.

Summary - Itchy Varicose Veins

Varicose veins occur when blood circulation deteriorates, and the function of the venous valves becomes insufficient to effectively pump blood back to the heart. This condition results in blood pooling under the venous valves, increasing the pressure in the veins and causing varicose veins. A person who has had varicose veins for a long time can develop irritation, burning, and itching, and in more severe cases, eczema and venous leg ulcers on the skin around the varicose veins.

To get rid of these issues, treatment of the varicose veins may be required. There are several effective and gentle treatments for varicose veins. After a pre-examination at UK Vein Care, the patient, together with the vascular surgeon, determines the most suitable treatment method for the specific case.

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