Varicose Vein Treatment in Chicago: Leg Discoloration
Varicose veins are often more than lumpy leg veins. In fact, there are many unexpected side effects of varicose veins, including changes in skin color and texture, that can develop in more severe cases of vein disease. Keep reading to learn more about why vein disease might cause your skin to change and why varicose vein treatment in Chicago might be a good investment.
What do Chicago residents need to know about skin changes resulting from vein disease?
Being able to understand why your skin might become discolored is best done if you know why varicose veins show up at all. A condition called venous insufficiency develops when the leg veins become unable to force blood upward to the heart as efficiently as they did when the veins were healthier. The blood begins to pool in your leg veins, which causes them to swell as the pressure builds up against the vein wall.
As the pressure increases inside the leg veins, the flow of blood to the skin and tissues around the affected veins decreases and may become inflamed. You might recognize inflammation as redness at first, but it can turn into a brown discoloration, dryness, or skin thickening as the disease progresses.
Venous insufficiency may cause one or more of the following skin changes:
- Redness, irritation, and inflammation
- Swollen legs and ankles that may make the skin feel hard or tight
- Nearby skin may become itchy or dry, crack or ooze fluids
- Skin color may darken, or become flaky or “scaly”
- Skin ulcers may form, which can be difficult to heal
- Cellulitis, a serious skin infection, can develop
Seeking the best varicose vein treatment in Chicago
If you notice any of the above skin changes in your legs, whether or not you have varicose veins, it’s important to see a Chicago vein expert for a screening. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome will be. Your initial consultation with Dr. Castro will consist of a thorough ultrasound exam, as well as a complete medical and family history to help determine the underlying cause of your vein issues. Although treatment plans vary from patient to patient, you will likely receive treatment for the skin issue itself as well as treatment to address the diseased veins.
Remember that letting your skin changes go untreated can make them more difficult or even impossible to treat. Patients with long-standing advanced vein disease are often dismayed that skin changes become permanent, even after successful vein disease treatment. So even if you only have varicose veins, that’s the best time to seek our help. Contact Chicago Vein Care Center right away by calling 773-283-7887.