Veins showing through the skin

Varicose vein

I was once really disturbed about my skin because I am an OG victim of this visible veins. So I decided to do some research to know if I should really be worried or not, and discovered that there is nothing to worry myself about *yayyyyyy!*.

Veins showing through the skin is very common to people especially those with pale skin. Many get concerned like I did and seek help because they are unpleasant to the eyes. Visible veins are usually harmless and does not affect the blood circulation or health.
Though a visit to the doctor or skin expert is not necessary, it may very well relieve you all your worries about it causes, treatments, etc.

Most common causes

• People with fair complexion have more visible veins compared to others.
• When the vein is close to the skin, it may also be visible especially for veins found in the legs, which is used for transporting small amount of blood to the heart.
• Likewise, thin people have less fat to hide their veins, leading to visible veins.
• Weight lifting exerts pressure on the blood vessels making them rigid, and causing them to bulge and become more visible.
• The fat layer in our skin gets thinner and thinner with aging causing the veins to be more visible. This effects of aging are more obvious in smokers, which is why they have prominent veins as compared to the rest.
• Skin thinning eventually leading to visible veins could be a medicine reaction as well. It is advisable to stop using steroids.  At times body produces abnormal amounts of steroids (like in Cushing syndrome) making your veins too visible.
• Pregnancy is not only marked by a growing belly, but a growing network of blood vessels too. Good news is that this isn't forever and will effortlessly resolve once the baby is delivered.
• Other causes that can lead to visible veins include heart disease (eventually causing heart attack), smoking, genetics and excessive stress.

The two common visible veins in the skin;  Spider veins and Varicose veins

 Spider veins are frequently seen on face and legs. These superficial veins can be red, blue or purple in color. Varicose veins on the other hand are dark blue, swollen, distorted, large veins showing through skin that sometime stick out as well. Varicose veins can develop anywhere but are frequently found on ankles and legs. Varicose veins are likely to develop in people on their feet throughout the day, like teachers and nurses. Visible veins like small spider veins can be concealed with self-tan lotion or water-resistant cosmetic. People with these conditions may also include wearing properly-fitting supportive stocking, maintaining hygiene, losing weight, trying sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment and radio-frequency occlusion. Surgical interventions can be used, like tying off vein or removing a long segment of vein to relieve the condition.

Yes, veins showing through the skin do not pose any serious threat to the health but they are times we should be cautious about some signs and appearance and go visit a skin expert or doctor immediately.

Signs like these should be taking seriously;

• If veins start to bleed
• If veins become red-colored, swollen, sore and warm to the touch
• There are changes in color of skin or in its texture
• Sore skin or rashes on skin
• Significant distress caused by such changes
• Painful varicose veins along with other particular symptoms