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Varicose veins are most commonly known for their dark, bulging appearance. However, these veins are more than just a cosmetic concern. They are often coupled with symptoms such as feelings of pain, heaviness, and fatigue in the lower legs. But there’s another symptom that you may not associate with varicose veins: itchiness. The experienced vascular physicians in Orlando at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center have seen itchiness as both a symptom and an early warning sign of varicose veins. Here’s why you may be feeling that itch.
Before we discuss why varicose veins itch, let’s first look at how they’re formed. Your vein valves circulate blood through your body. Not all vein valves work equally — the ones in your lower legs must work harder to push blood upward against the flow of gravity. If these valves become weakened or damaged, then blood can pool in the vein, causing it to swell and form a varicose vein.
When blood pools in the vein, the associated swelling puts excess pressure on tiny blood vessels in the skin. Blood can start to leak through the vessels and prevent oxygen from reaching the skin. This is what causes the skin to feel itchy. Over time, the itchy skin may even begin to form red or purple sores.
It’s possible for the legs to feel itchy without any visible signs of varicose veins. If you’re suddenly experiencing itchiness in the lower leg, it may be time to consult a specialist about your vein health. This is especially true if the itchiness is coupled with leg swelling, heaviness, pain, fatigue, or restlessness.
Learn More About Risk Factors, Complications, Warning Signs,
Over time, itchy and painful varicose veins have the potential to lead to worse conditions, including venous ulcers or blood clots. The good news is that varicose veins are easy to treat. The days of painful vein stripping are far behind us. New procedures are minimally invasive with minimal — if any — downtime, so you can get back to your life without much disruption — while also enjoying pain-free legs that don’t itch. While there are ways to manage varicose vein symptoms, such as elevating your legs and wearing compression stockings, treatment from a specialist is the only way to fully treat the vein.
Our team of vascular physicians in Orlando at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center doesn’t just dabble in vein care — we’ve dedicated ourselves to it. We combine our extensive knowledge with an intense dedication to patient care to ensure that you get the best treatment possible. We perform minimally invasive treatments in-house to minimize stress to your life and your body, and we make sure to communicate and answer your questions every step of the way. If you currently experience itchy legs or have other concerns about your vein health, come see our team. You can schedule a consultation with us at one of our three convenient locations in The Villages, Hunters Creek/The Loop, and Ocoee/Health Central.