Are varicose veins and spider veins painful or dangerous?
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, spider veins usually do not need medical treatment. But varicose veins are known to enlarge and worsen over time. Severe varicose veins can cause health problems. These include:
- Severe venous insufficiency. This severe pooling of blood in the veins slows the return of blood to the heart. This condition can cause blood clots and severe infections. Blood clots can be very dangerous because they can move from leg veins and travel to the lungs. Blood clots in the lungs are life-threatening because they can block the heart and lungs from functioning.
- Sores or skin ulcers can occur on skin tissue around varicose veins
- Ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs.