Other problems caused by varicose veins

Can varicose veins bleed?

Yes, varicose veins can bleed. Any blood vessel can bleed if it is cut or bursts, and as a vascular surgeon, I am often urgently called upon when a major artery or vein is involved.

Varicose veins, which can become significantly enlarged and lie just beneath the skin, are particularly susceptible to bleeding. Even mild trauma to the area can sometimes open the vein, leading to considerable bleeding. This is typically manageable with compression and by elevating the leg as high as possible. However, in some cases, it may become a surgical emergency requiring immediate hospital admission.

In rare instances, a varicose vein may rupture without external bleeding, resulting in blood pooling under the skin. This causes extensive bruising rather than visible bleeding.

Phlebitis

This is ‘inflammation within veins’. It occurs when blood clots form within varicose veins and is not due to an infection. It causes the veins to be hard, red, hot and inflamed. Occasionally varicose veins will improve after an attack of phlebitis but if not recurrent attacks of phlebitis can occur.