Submitted by Drs. Bohn, Nielsen, Castillo, Benson, and Wright, The Vein Specialists, LLC
Ignored and untreated varicose vein disease can lead to serious complications when it is allowed to continue over time. Venous reflux, associated with varicose vein disease, can result in increasing symptoms such as aching legs, pain, and swelling because of the increasing venous pressure due to the progressing valve failure inside the veins. Skin changes, such as stasis dermatitis, can even lead to cellulitis.
Eventually, the skin can break down and skin ulcers can develop.
Stasis dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by damage to the veins in the lower extremities that reduces the flow of blood out of the legs. Symptoms include a red, violet, or brown rash on the skin between the ankle and the knee. The impaired blood flow results in leg swelling and triggers a release of inflammatory factors that decreases the skin’s ability to heal, resulting in stasis dermatitis.
Cellulitis is an infection of the superficial and deeper layers of the skin, caused by bacteria. Bacteria are normally present on the surface of the skin but when the skin is injured, bacteria can spread beneath the surface and start to grow. The growth is made worse by the poor blood flow in the feet and legs. Stasis dermatitis can also be a factor in cellulitis, especially when there is repeated leg swelling.
One of the most challenging complications is a skin ulcer. An ulcer is an open sore that can result from the smallest minor trauma to the skin. Combined with long-term chronic venous insufficiency, this can result in skin breakdown. The area around the ulcer is usually red, swollen, tender, and can be painful. Venous ulcers will most often occur on the inner aspect of ankle and can be very challenging to heal.
For patients with varicose vein disease, there is a clear reason to not ignore the disease and to address it early. If you think you might have varicose veins, call The Vein Specialists at 309-862-4000 to schedule a consultation with one of their physicians or request an appointment online at www.ILveins.com. They have convenient locations in Bloomington, Peru, Springfield, and Streator.