Are you experiencing itchy legs without any other symptoms such or underlying causes such as dry skin or an insect bite. Then, you may well be experiencing varicose veins. Varicose veins, a condition marked by swollen twisted veins, occurring due to accumulation of blood in the veins often causes symptoms such as pain, discomfort and swelling. This condition can also cause a range of skin changes such as redness, discoloration, rashes and irritation. So are itchy legs a symptom of varicose veins and how to identify if the itchiness in legs is due to varicose veins?
Itchy legs can happen due to a variety of reasons. Dry skin, psoriasis, folliculitis, eczema, allergic reactions, hives can all cause itchy legs. Itching can also happen due to metabolic conditions such as diabetes or can be triggered by certain medications.
So what is causing your itchy legs? Are varicose veins responsible? How to identify the root cause and what are the treatments for varicose veins? Here is a complete guide to the relationship between varicose veins and itchy legs, why venous insufficiency can cause itchy legs, how this condition can be medically treated and how to gain relief from venous insufficiency and its symptoms.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Before delving deep into the relation between varicose veins and itchy feet, it is vital to understand what varicose veins are.
Varicose veins, also known as twisted veins or bulged veins, occur when the blood pools up in the veins. Veins perform the function of transporting deoxygenated blood to the heart from the different parts of the body.
Veins are a part of the body’s circulatory system and include arteries and capillaries. While arteries supply oxygenated blood to the various body parts, veins carry back the deoxygenated blood to the heart for filtration and purification. Capillaries carry nutrition to the smaller cells in the body.
Vein walls and valves perform the important function of allowing proper blood flow back to the heart. The veins are single valved to ensure movement in one side.
When the vein walls or valves get damaged, the blood fails to move in the intended direction and ends up pooling up within the artery.
Lack of fresh blood flow within the veins deprives the veins of proper nutrition. This results in swelling and damage to these blood vessels. The swelling veins put pressure on the surrounding areas resulting in tissue damage further worsening the condition.
Those experiencing varicose veins may suffer from pain and inflammation especially in the lower extremities in the body such as legs, ankles and feet. Venous insufficiency is also known to occur in the genital areas, rectum and anus.
Pregnant women and the older population are at a higher risk for developing venous insufficiency. The hormonal imbalances during pregnancy cause women to develop varicose veins.
Skin Changes Associated With Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can cause symptoms such as pain, inflammation, heaviness and discomfort in the affected site. In addition this condition is also responsible for causing a host of skin conditions and changes.
The most common skin changes associated with varicose veins are
Dry and Itchy Skin
People suffering from varicose veins experience dryness and itchiness in the area surrounding the varicose veins. This condition is known as venous eczema or stasis dermatitis.
Varicose veins cause poor blood circulation depriving the area of oxygen and nutrients resulting in the skin getting dry and itchy.
Venous eczema is often accompanied by redness, scaly or inflamed skin especially in the leg and ankle region.
Visible or Palpable Blue or Purple Veins
As varicose veins swell, they start appearing as blue or purple twisted or enlarged veins. In most cases, these veins may not cause issues, especially in the initial stages.
As the condition progresses, though, the individual may start experiencing a host of symptoms.
Skin Discolouration
Skin discolouration starts occurring as the condition of venous insufficiency advances. Prolonged venous insufficiency can lead to hyperpigmentation, a condition where the skin turns brownish or reddish.
Leaking blood from damaged varicose veins results in this discolouration in the areas surrounding the varicose veins.
Thickening or Hardening of Skin
Lipodermatosclerosis is a condition where long standing venous insufficiency can lead to fibrosis where the skin thickens and becomes hard.
This affected area that often develops near the varicose vein area is hard to touch, feels painful and uncomfortable. The skin loses its elasticity as the tissue in the affected area becomes hard.
Ulcers
Untreated severe varicose veins are marked by the formation of ulcers called venous ulcers. These open slow healing wounds form near the varicose vein area and are commonly seen in legs and ankles.
Poor blood circulation and accumulation of blood in the veins cause damage to the skin tissue, breaking the skin down and resulting in ulcers.
Ulcers do heal on their own though they may take time, sometimes weeks and even months. However, non healing ulcers can be dangerous and need immediate medical attention.
While many types of skin changes can happen with varicose veins, dry and itchy skin is the most common complaint among those suffering from this condition.
Are Itchy Legs A Symptom of Varicose Veins?
Yes, itchy legs are a common and one of the neglected but troubling symptoms of varicose veins.
Venous eczema or stasis dermatitis occurs as a part of varicose veins due to poor blood circulation, increased venous pressure and poor nutrient and oxygen supply to the blood vessels.
Varicose veins often occur in the extremities of the body such as legs since the veins in these parts have to work against gravity to push blood to the heart and are most affected by venous insufficiency.
As a result, itching in legs is one of the most common symptoms of varicose veins.
Here are some of the reasons why varicose veins may cause itchy legs.
Poor Blood Circulation
Venous insufficiency leads to poor blood circulation. Improperly functioning vein valves result in blood being pooled up inside the veins. Blood, unable to flow in its designated direction, accumulates within the damaged or varicose vein.
This accumulated blood increases pressure within the veins. Inflammation occurs in the vein resulting in its bulged and twisted appearance. Poor blood circulation hampers nutrition and oxygen from reaching the affected area.
Lack of nutrition causes the skin to dry. Itching, irritation, sensitivity and redness follow overtime.
Blood Leak
With further damage to the veins, pressure builds up resulting in the blood leaking and seeping to the surrounding tissues. This blood leak causes components such as iron and protein to spread into the tissue.
This leak results in the triggering inflammatory response by the body in anticipation of an infection. The inflammation leads to swelling, redness and itching.
As components such as iron accumulate into the surrounding tissue, the individual may experience browning of the areas.
Histamine Release
Inflammation and irritation in the affected area cause the body to release histamines, substances released by the body during allergic reactions. Histamines are released as a part of the immune system’s response to inflammation.
This release of histamines causes further irritation, itching and redness to the skin in the affected areas.
Venous Eczema or Stasis Dermatitis
Chronic inflammation caused due to varicose veins leads to the individual developing a condition known as venous eczema or stasis dermatitis.
Individuals may experience dry, flaky, itchy skin in the affected area. Reddish brown patches may form accompanied by a burning sensation in the area.
Treatment Options For Itchy Varicose Veins
Itching from varicose veins can be quite troublesome. A varicose vein specialist will confirm if your itching is from varicose veins or some other condition. Once the diagnosis is complete, you may need to use certain medications and treatment procedures for relief from the itching, redness and irritation.
The treatment for itchy varicose veins aims to reduce inflammation, treat the itching and irritation, soothe the skin and prevent infections.
Here are some treatment options for itchy varicose veins on legs.
Creams
The doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream or a calcineurin inhibitor.
A corticosteroid cream can be directly applied on to the affected area. These creams provide relief from inflammation, pain and itchiness caused by the varicose veins.
A calcineurin inhibitor acts as an immunosuppressant and blocks the immune activity of the body that is responsible for inflammation and irritation in the affected area.
Calcinuerin inhibitors are the second line of treatment and may be prescribed in severe cases only.
Antihistamines
Histamines are produced in response to the inflammation in varicose veins and are responsible for redness and irritation in the affected areas.
Antihistamines block the allergic reactions and reduce redness and irritation.
Antibiotics and Dressings
Antibiotics and dressings may be needed for severe skin changes such as open wounds that risk getting infected.
Infected varicose veins marked by severe itching, redness, skin irritation and discoloration may need antibiotics either in the form of oral medications or skin creams.
A varicose vein expert will assess the situation and recommend antibiotics when deemed necessary.
They may recommend dressing over wounds to help quick healing and recovery.
Surgery
If other treatments do not provide relief from itchy varicose veins in legs, surgery may be an option in severe and chronic cases.
Some of the surgical interventions for itchy varicose veins in legs include
- Laser treatment
- Endovenous ablation treatment
- Endoscopic vein surgery
- Vein stripping and ligation
- Ambulatory phlebectomy.
Early intervention is the key to treating itchy legs in varicose veins. If you are suffering from itchy legs with no other possible underlying causes, you should see a varicose vein expert.
Through physical examination and a series of tests, the doctor should be able to confirm if you have varicose veins.
Starting treatment and home remedies early should curb the condition and prevent its spreading.
Home Remedies For Varicose Vein Itchy Legs Symptoms
While treatments help improve varicose veins and provide relief from symptoms such as itching, home remedies also form an important part of self care for individuals.
Here are some home remedies that provide relief from varicose vein itchy legs and other varicose vein symptoms.
Moisturisation
Varicose vein itching and dryness can be tackled by applying fragrance free and hypoallergenic moisturisers. Emollients and petroleum jellies such as vaseline work well.
Moisturisers with natural ingredients such as shea butter and aloe vera may also provide relief from itchiness.
Hydration
Drinking water and fluids helps improve blood circulation by reducing the viscosity of blood. Improved blood circulation can help provide relief from varicose vein symptoms.
Hydration also improves the skin texture and helps fight dryness and irritation.
Balanced Diet
A diet high in antioxidants, vitamins and fiber can improve varicose vein symptoms.
Antioxidants help fight inflammation, reduce swelling and encourage vein repair. Vitamin C initiates collagen synthesis which can promote vein repair and bring back the elasticity of veins encouraging blood movement.
As inflammation reduces and vein repair starts, skin surrounding the affected area may receive more nutrition which may help fight skin itching.
Leg Elevation
Keeping legs elevated throughout the day as many times as possible can reduce swelling and improve blood circulation which in turn can reduce skin itching and irritation.
Avoiding Scratching
Scratching is an individual’s automatic response to irritation. But scratching can also worsen inflammation and irritation, damage the skin and cause infections. Hence scratching the affected area must be completely avoided.
Conclusion
Itchy legs are a symptom of varicose veins since varicose veins commonly occur in legs and feet. Other symptoms include irritation, redness, skin changes, discolouration and hardening of the affected area.
Treatment options for itchy legs include using creams and ointments as suggested by the doctor, keeping the area moisturised, avoiding scratching the area, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and using cold compress on the itching areas.
Varicose veins cannot be treated completely. But it is possible to control the condition and its symptoms and prevent its spreading. Identifying venous insufficiency early, getting medical intervention and follow up consultations are the key to control varicose veins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do varicose veins make your legs itchy?
Yes, varicose veins make legs itchy. Varicose veins occur due to pooled up blood in the veins which cause problems with blood circulation. Poor blood circulation leads to inflammation and causes nutrition and oxygen deprivation in the affected area all of which lead to skin getting dry, itchy and irritated.
What are the warning signs of varicose veins?
Bulging or twisting of veins, appearance of bluish or purple coloured prominent veins, heaviness, pain and discomfort, itching, irritation and redness, skin colour changes, hardening of the skin are all warning signs of varicose veins. Formation of ulcers indicates worsening of the condition.
Can poor circulation cause leg itching?
Yes, poor blood circulation is responsible for itching of legs for those suffering from varicose veins. Poor blood circulation hampers nutrition and oxygen supply to the affected areas. This causes the tissue around the area to get damaged. Inflammatory responses of the immune system trigger pain, swelling and skin changes such as itching and irritation.
How to treat itchy legs in varicose veins?
Corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation, pain and itching. Antihistamines reduce itching and irritation. Antibiotics must be taken when signs of infection appear. All of these medications must be taken under strict medical supervision. Use of ice packs on the affected area can also help.
Does itchy legs mean poor circulation?
Yes, itchy legs can mean poor blood circulation but is not the only cause. Other reasons can include dry skin, allergies and irritation. In older people, poor vein wall and valve health can cause poor blood circulation which can lead to leg itching.