Varicose veins
Varicose veins are larger superficial veins that become swollen, twisted, or raised.
They develop when vein walls weaken or valves fail to keep blood moving efficiently toward the heart. Blood then collects inside the vein, increasing pressure and causing it to widen.
Varicose veins may cause:
- Aching or throbbing
- Leg heaviness
- Burning or itching
- Swelling around the ankles
- Nighttime cramps
- Discomfort after prolonged standing
- Skin discoloration
- Dry or irritated skin
Unlike small spider veins, varicose veins sometimes require medical evaluation and treatment.
Bruises
Bruises form when small blood vessels break and leak blood into surrounding tissue, usually following an injury.
A bruise commonly changes from red or purple to blue, green, yellow, or brown as it heals. Most gradually fade over one to three weeks.
Bruising that appears repeatedly without an obvious cause deserves medical attention.
Venous skin discoloration
Poor circulation in the leg veins can allow fluid and blood cells to leak into surrounding tissue. Iron-containing pigments from broken-down blood cells may then accumulate in the skin.
This can create reddish-brown, purple, or dark patches, especially around the ankles and lower legs.
The skin may also become itchy, dry, thickened, or inflamed. These changes may indicate chronic venous insufficiency rather than a simple cosmetic issue.
