Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Bleeding Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted due to damaged valves in the veins. Valves in the veins help return blood from the vein to the heart. If these valves are damaged, blood flows backward and backs up into the veins. This causes increased pressure within the veins, which may cause the veins to rupture and bleed.
Bleeding of the varicose veins can be internal or external. External bleeding is bleeding outside the skin and can be caused from a nick or scratch in the skin on top of the varicose vein. Internal bleeding occurs under the skin and often results from direct trauma to the varicose vein, like tripping, falling, or bumping the vein on furniture.
Intradermal bleeding is another form of bleeding that can occur with small varicose veins called spider veins. In this situation, the rupture of a spider vein occurs underneath the skin surface, creating a blue-purple bruise that is visible through the skin. This problem is normally mild and usually gets better on its own without treatment.
What are the causes?
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Thinning and stretching of the skin that covers the varicose veins (hypoplasia).
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Weak, thinning vein walls.
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High blood pressure in the veins, due to the backup of blood that normally flows back to the heart.
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A growth in the pelvis (pelvic mass) that affects the veins in the legs.
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Pregnancy and childbirth.
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Blood clots, especially in deep veins (thrombophlebitis).
What increases the risk?
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Have a family history of varicose veins.
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Are on your feet a lot or are standing for long periods of time.
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Are pregnant or have had a previous pregnancy.
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Are overweight.
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Use birth control pills (oral contraceptives).
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Have an inactive (sedentary) lifestyle.
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Have a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Blue or purple discoloration in the skin that spreads beyond the veins.
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Itchy and discolored skin.
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Heaviness, aching and throbbing pain, and cramps in the legs, especially after long periods of standing, wearing tight clothing, or being in a hot climate.
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Severe skin dryness (varicose eczema).
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A burning sensation.
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Dizziness and sometimes fainting.
External bleeding occurs on the surface of the skin, most often after a cut, scrape, bruise, or other physical trauma. When this occurs, it is crucial to put pressure on the vein and stop the bleeding.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms, including when you first noticed any bleeding or pain.
How is this treated?
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Stopping bleeding by applying pressure to the vein with a clean towel, bandage, or fabric.
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Stopping swelling by applying pressure (compression) to the area over a longer period of time. This may be done by applying an elastic bandage or wearing compression stockings.
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Raising (elevating) your leg above the level of your heart for 30 minutes a few times a day.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Take and use over-the-counter and prescription medicines and creams only as told by your health care provider.
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If you were prescribed an antibiotic cream, use it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.
Lifestyle
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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Exercise regularly and do exercises as told by your health care provider.
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If directed, work with your health care provider to lose weight.
General instructions
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Wear compression stockings or apply elastic bandages or any wraps as told by your health care provider. These help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
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Try to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you need to sit or stand for a long time, move around often to maintain blood flow (circulation).
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Elevate your legs above the level of your heart for 30 minutes, 4 times a day, or as often as directed. To do this, lie down with your leg propped up on a pillow or cushion so that your foot is above heart level. Doing this regularly can help prevent more bleeding from developing.
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Check your skin every day for new sores and signs of bleeding.
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Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes and tight clothing, especially around your limbs and waist.
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Be careful in situations where you could cut your legs, such as when shaving or gardening. This can help prevent bleeding.
Contact a health care provider if:
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Your veins bleed above or under your skin.
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You have pain that gets worse.
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The area around a varicose vein becomes warm, red, or tender to the touch.
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You develop new sores or a rash near your varicose veins.
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You have a sore that does not heal, gets infected, or gets bigger.
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You have bad-smelling, yellowish fluid coming from a spot where there was external bleeding.
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You have a fever.
Get help right away if:
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You have chest pain.
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You have trouble breathing.
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You have severe leg pain.
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Your legs and feet are turning blue or black.
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Your legs swell and harden.
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You have bleeding from your varicose veins that does not stop.
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You have dizziness or you have fainted.
Summary
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Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted due to damaged valves in the veins. They may bleed under the skin (internal) or on the surface of the skin (external).
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Treatment may include pressure on the vein, elevating your legs, wearing compression stockings, and lifestyle changes.
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You should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking.
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Check your skin every day for new sores, signs of bleeding, or other problems.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
