Veins, veins, go away: Annoyed by that purple spiderweb on your legs? You’re not alone

With spring break shorts and swimsuit season here, many people are showing off their legs for the first time in months, and for some, that also means deciding what to do about varicose veins.

The bulging purple or blue lines may be simply a cosmetic issue, or they could be a sign of a serious medical problem, says Mayo Clinic Emeritus vascular surgeon Peter Gloviczki, M.D.

“Twenty to 25 percent of Americans have varicose veins and about 6 percent have more advanced venous disease including skin changes or, occasionally, ulcerations,” says Gloviczki, who helped develop Society for Vascular Surgery and American Venous Forum guidelines for the treatment of varicose veins. “Evaluation of varicose veins with ultrasound is an easy and accurate way to assess the need for treatment. New, minimally invasive therapy is available today that is effective and is performed as outpatient treatment.”

Enlarged veins can ache, itch and burn, and patients with such discomfort should have a physician check whether the varicose veins are a sign of more serious medical problems, Gloviczki says. Varicose veins can lead to swollen legs, skin changes, bleeding from varicose veins, blood clots (phlebitis) and ulcers. Exercising, losing weight and elevating the legs can ease pain and prevent varicose veins from worsening. Special hosiery called compression stockings that squeeze the legs, improving blood flow, is often suggested before medical procedures are pursued.

People can opt to have cosmetic work, but it may be difficult for consumers to know which options are safe and best. Gloviczki advises people to screen treatment providers’ credentials rather than simply choosing someone based on a TV ad or billboard.