Damaged veins can sometimes cause noticeable blue and purple bumps on the skin. This usually happens when the valves of the vein get old or damaged leading to anomalies in the direction of blood flow. Backward flow causes an accumulation of blood resulting in dilation and enlargement of the veins. Damage to the valves occurs due to genetics, age, pregnancy, obesity, trauma, prolonged standing, hypertension, and diabetes.
There are two main types of damaged veins: varicose and spider veins. Varicose veins are large blue veins that mostly appear on the legs and feet, while spider veins are thin red and purple vessels on the legs and face.
Various treatments are available that can treat and diminish the appearance of these veins. These include sclerotherapy, laser treatment, and surgical vein removal. The non-surgical treatments are usually quick, with minimal side effects. Veins can return after a year, and maintenance treatments are most likely required to prolong results.
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a solution into the damaged vein to cause it to close up and be reabsorbed. This treatment improves blood circulation and reduces bulging veins. Patients often need a few sessions depending on the number of affected veins.
Laser treatment can target the vessels and destroy them without affecting the skin. The most common laser treatments include endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Both EVLT and RFA can diminish spider veins and varicose veins. For both procedures, patients will receive a local anesthetic. Doctors then create a tiny incision to insert the laser tube into the blood vessel, which heats up, destroys, and closes off the vein. Possible side effects include scarring and change in the pigment of the skin. RFA is safer and causes less discomfort.
Besides treatments, doctors recommend some self-care habits that can be done at home. These can improve circulation to avoid damaged veins. Good preventative techniques are exercising, propping legs up, avoiding sitting and standing for long hours, and wearing compression stockings, which can also help squeeze the area and force blood to flow back to your heart to alleviate swelling in the legs.
