What Are the Stages of Vein Diseases?

Stage 1 – Spider Veins

Spider veins are small thin blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin. These dilated veins and capillary vessels are called telangiectasias. They are more common in women than in men.

Stage 2 – Varicose Veins / Ropey Veins

Varicose veins are more prominent and this is when people often become aware of vein diseases. Over 75% of people with varicose veins have symptoms that interfere with their lives. Signs of vein disease include burning, tingling, numbness, itchiness, tired, achy, heavy, swollen, or restless type sensations in their legs. The best time to have veins treated is when vein disease symptoms begin to develop.

Stage 3 – Edema (Swelling) without Skin Changes

As vein diseases progress, swelling of the legs may begin to occur. The backflow in the venous system interferes with the body’s ability to reabsorb fluid leading to swelling of the leg. Elevation may help with the vein disease symptoms, but will not cure venous disease. While swelling in the leg is commonly associated with vein diseases, there may be other underlying causes for swelling of the legs.

Stage 4 – Skin Discoloration

The continued progression of vein disease leads the venous congestion to have more obvious signs of vein disease with skin changing its color. The skin may also become thinner and discolored to reddish brown or whitish in color. At this stage, the vein disease symptoms include the skin being easily injured and taking more time to heal.

Stage 5 – Skin Changes with Healed Ulceration

Once an ulceration has developed, treatment can be performed to promote wound healing and provide much-needed relief of the vein disease symptoms.

Stage 6 – Skin Changes with Active Ulceration

Venous ulcers usually occur due to improper functioning of venous valves. These venous ulcers can become chronic wounds if left untreated and can be extremely painful, making it that much more important to come to Summit Skin & Vein at the first sight of signs of vein disease.

Stages 5 & 6 are the most advanced forms of superficial vein diseases. Venous ulcers are caused by venous congestion that has progressed to a point that it interferes with the ability for blood flow to provide nutrition to the skin. Once vein diseases have progressed to this stage, any type of skin injury will heal extremely slowly. Without treatment, these ulcers can remain unhealed for an extended period of time, and more than likely, will continue to worsen.

Symptoms of Vein Disease

Common vein disease symptoms include:

• achiness and fatigue in the legs,
• burning or tingling sensations,
• leg cramping at night,
• reddish-brown discoloration of the skin,
• swelling in the lower legs and ankles,
• flaking or itching skin,
• a full or heavy feeling in the legs,
• leathery-looking skin,
• ulcers near the ankles,
• and varicose veins.

Treatment cannot reverse the damage to your vein valves, but it can alleviate symptoms of vein disease and improve your quality of life. Certain procedures and surgeries can specifically target and eliminate damaged veins, preventing blood flow through them. That is why it is so important to come to Summit Skin & Vein when you see signs of vein disease, so that we can help you pick out the right vein disease treatment for you.

Vein Disease Treatment

At Summit Skin & Vein in Lee’s Summit, MO, our team of expert providers offers the latest and most effective treatment options for vein disease. Whether you are dealing with varicose veins, spider veins, or later stages of vein disease, we will create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology, and our providers have extensive experience in treating vein disease.

We offer both medical and cosmetic treatments, so you can choose the option that is best for you. If you are concerned about the appearance of your veins, we can help. We offer a variety of cosmetic treatments that can improve the appearance of your skin and help you feel more confident. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our vein disease treatment options.

For more information about vein diseases, please contact Summit Skin & Vein Care today at (816) 533-4398.