Symptoms and Appearance of Unhealthy Veins

Varicose veins are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They are dark purple or blue in color and can look like twisted, bulging cords. Varicose veins are often one-quarter inch or larger in diameter. They are generally found on the backs of the calves, the inside of the leg or anywhere from the groin to the ankle.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are substantially smaller. They are often red or blue in color and are generally closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like a tree branch or spider web with their short jagged lines. They can cover very small or very large areas of skin.

If larger varicose veins are left untreated, they may cause complications such as bleeding under the skin, deep-vein blood clots, and an eczema-like condition near the affected veins or ulcerated spots near the ankles.

The following is a list of common symptoms of vein disease:

• Aching, throbbing or cramping ("Charlie horses") at night
• Swelling
• Difficulty walking
• Pain in leg, feet or ankles
• Skin discoloration or "open sores" (ulcers)
• An Itching and burning sensation in the legs
• Dry, flaking skin over the varicose veins