Skin Changes Specialist

What do skin changes indicate?

Skin changes may be an indication that you have underlying vein disease. Changes to look for include:

• Dry skin
• Discoloration- pink or brownish
• Thickening, stiff, or firm skin
• Itchiness
• Prominent spider patterns especially around the ankle

Even if you don’t see bulging varicose veins, you may have advanced vein disease and it's worth visiting Vascular Vein Centers if skin changes are present.

What other symptoms might I have alongside skin changes?

If you have vein disease, you might be experiencing increasing tiredness, fatigue, aching, and heaviness in your lower legs, along with skin changes. These symptoms are usually felt more in the mid-late afternoon and can occur long before bulging veins or skin changes are present. Women may notice these symptoms particularly around their menstrual cycle. Vein symptoms worsen as the day progresses. Your legs may start to swell later in the day, and at first this may be subtle.

As vein disease progresses, skin changes become more noticeable, and lower leg and ankle swelling (edema) increases. You may find your skin is extra sensitive and prone to rashes. Dry, brittle skin is more likely to crack and form a sore.

If you ignore skin changes, underlying vein disease can lead to venous ulcers. These painful, open wounds take a long time to heal and are prone to infection. Venous ulcers are painful and can be disabling. If you get help for skin changes and the veins that cause them early, you can usually avoid future problems.

How are skin changes treated?

Every patient at Vascular Vein Centers enters a six-step individualized Cycle of Care program.

The first step is a description in your words of the problem, when you first noticed the issue, how your environment and normal routine affects the problem and how your quality of life is affected as well as conditions.

The second step is a review of your medical history- family history, lifestyle, other medical conditions and any other pertinent physical issues. Your provider also performs a thorough physical examination to assess your vein health. Based on what is found, your provider will probably recommend a Doppler ultrasound for a definitive evaluation of your venous system.

The Vascular Vein Centers team uses the latest state-of-the-art GE Healthcare ultrasound equipment to view your venous system in detail. We can then discuss the best way to treat your skin changes if veins are in fact the cause.

If you're using insurance, most providers, require a period of conservative therapy. This may include:

• Graduated medical grade Compression stockings
• Efforts at Weight loss if that is an issue
• Elevating your legs when possible, especially if swelling is an issue
• Exercise- generally walking
• History of medications for Pain relief including anti-inflammatory medication (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories)

If further treatment to resolve skin changes and underlaying vein problems is recommended, the Vascular Vein Centers team can perform endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)  treatment, our primary procedures for treating the “source veins”; the origin of the problem. EVLT treatment takes place in our clinics and causes far less discomfort and recovery and is faster than traditional treatments such as vein stripping.

Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy will be required in most cases to treat the “branch veins” (varicose veins) coming off the “source veins”. The treatment uses a chemical foam to collapse and seal problem veins, eliminating further progression. The procedure is essentially painless as is recovery and you can resume normal activities immediately.

The Vascular Vein Centers team also uses the latest in FDA approved advanced treatments such as Varithena® foam sclerotherapy to treat problem veins. Each has its specific indication and most insurance carriers cover the procedures.

If you have noticed skin changes in your legs, call Vascular Vein Centers today or book an appointment online.