Varicose Vein Dangers

5 Hidden Dangers of Untreated Varicose Veins

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Varicose veins are largely viewed as a cosmetic-only issue. However, did you know if left untreated, they can potentially be dangerous to your health? Here are 5 hidden dangers of untreated varicose veins.

1. Venous ulcers

Over time, varicose veins can lead to the development of venous ulcers. This is because the condition causes changes within the skin. This ultimately impacts the skin’s ability to heal, even from the most minor injuries.
Swollen tissue restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients. There is also a lot of tension on the tissues, leading to the development of ulcers.

2. Swelling

Swelling is one of the most common side effects of varicose veins. It is this which largely causes other, potentially serious complications. Pressure builds up within the veins and fluid contained within the blood can start to leak out into the tissues. This leads to swelling, and in some cases, you may notice fluid leaking from the skin. If swelling is left untreated, it gradually leads to changes in the skin.

3. Bleeding

Varicose veins typically have a pool of blood that sits right below the surface of the skin. If you accidentally hit or cut the vein, it can lead to a lot more bleeding than usual. Even if the vein isn’t hit or cut, the collected blood can lead to bruising under the skin. If the cut is particularly severe, it can take a long time to stop the bleeding.

4. Skin infections

The swollen veins can stretch the tissues, causing the body to become less effective at fighting off infections. The bacteria typically found on the skin can work their way into the body. This leads to an infection known as Cellulitis. In severe cases, this can lead to blistering of the skin and the symptoms of an infection, such as a fever or chills.

5. Deep Vein Thrombosis

One of the more serious complications from untreated varicose veins is Deep Vein Thrombosis. This is where blood clots develop deeper within the veins. There is a risk the clot could loosen and travel up towards the lungs. If this were to occur, it could have deadly consequences.

These are just a few of the hidden dangers of varicose veins. Although the condition does start off as a mostly cosmetic issue, it can develop into something much more serious. For this reason, it is important to get varicose veins treated as soon as possible.

Get in touch with a vein specialist by phoning 01872 308 520 to find out about the different treatments available.