Submitted by Drs. Bohn, Nielsen, Castillo, Benson, and Wright, The Vein Specialists, LLC
Ignoring varicose vein disease can lead to serious complications for patients. Over time, venous reflux can result in increasing symptoms, such as leg aching, pain, and swelling, because of the progressive valve failure inside the veins. Resulting skin changes, such as stasis dermatitis, can even lead to cellulitis. Eventually, the skin can break down and develop skin ulcers.
Stasis dermatitis is a common inflammatory condition that occurs on the lower extremities. It is caused by damage to the veins due to reduced blood flow. It can be a precursor to more problematic conditions. 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. Watching for the signs and symptoms of stasis dermatitis is important. Treatment can prevent the condition from becoming severe and leading to ulceration.
One of the most challenging venous 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 the ankle and can be very challenging to heal.
Cellulitis is an infection of the superficial and deep layers of the skin, caused by bacteria. Bacteria are normally present on the surface of the skin. When the skin is injured, bacteria can spread beneath the surface and start to grow, which is made worse by the poor blood flow in the feet and legs. The symptoms of cellulitis are swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth. Treatment with antibiotics is necessary. Stasis dermatitis can be a factor in cellulitis, especially when there is repeated leg swelling.
For patients with varicose veins, there is a clear benefit to addressing venous disease with endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy to prevent future complications.
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, Eureka, Peru, Springfield, and Streator.