A 32-year-old member asked:
Varicose veins getting worst.having black spots on my leg already spreading.is this serious?
4 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

Dr. Craig Schwartzanswered
Vascular Surgery 36 years experience
Varicose veins: Varicose veins are due to underlying venous insufficiency or reflux, which will never improve or go away on its own, and can only get worse. So down the road it could become serious, if not already. You should be seen by an experienced vein specialist, who can determine the cause of your problem, and the best way to treat it. The good news is that almost all vein treatments are minimally invasive.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Gregg Albers commented
Addiction Medicine 43 years experience
Compression stocking are the best first line of treatment, along with elevating your legs at rest. If these are not helping, there are a number of treatments to reduce the size and discomfort from the veins. General surgeons and vein specialists will often treat these problems.
Jan 26, 2012

Dr. Michael Learyanswered
Vascular Surgery 45 years experience
Maybe: Skin discoloration can be a sign serious vein problems, usually dark brown, or dark red. These skin lesions can lead to ulceration. You need to have a duplex ultrasound and work up by someone experienced in vein disease. Once treated, many times the skin will become healthy again, and sometimes even become more normal in appearance.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. James Whiteanswered
Cosmetic Surgery 33 years experience
Venous Stasis Stains: Venous stasis disease involves stagnation of the venous blood flow, resulting in a pooling of blood in the lower extremities. Iron is deposited into the skin resulting in brown staining of the skin. This can result in breakdown of the skin to frank ulceration with years of stasis. Compression therapy is very helpful along with laser closure of the varicose veins. Ultrasound review is a must.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctoranswered
42 years experience
Could be: It sounds as though you are starting to develop evidence of chronic venous insufficiency with venous hyperpigmentation, as the others have discussed very nicely. The first thing you need to do is to get yourself into a pair of prescription compression stockings, as dr. Albers said. I would recommend 30-40 mmhg. You also need to see a vein specialist for an evaluation and treatment recommendation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 24, 2019
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