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Normal |
Reflux |
The normal function of veins is to deliver blood from the extremities back to the heart. This flow should be a “one-way street”. Veins have “check” valves in them that prevent blood from refluxing back down the leg whenever we stand, lift, strain or otherwise exert pressure.
When valves fail to perform their function, blood is allowed to cascade down the extremity, resulting in tremendous pressure on these thin vessels. The end result can be pain and discomfort, the appearance of unsightly bulging veins, spontaneous bleeding or even changes in the skin, which can lead to more serious health problems.
  Although valve failure can occur in any extremity vein, the most common site is in the groin where the superficial and deep veins of the leg converge. Valve failure here results in high venous pressures in the saphenous (thigh) vein. The medical term for this condition is saphenous reflux. Reflux can lead to the development of large dilated and very visible bulging veins under the skin called varicose veins.
To view vein images from American College of Phlebology, click here.
These are the very small red or blue vessels that appear primarily on the legs. They differ from varicose veins in that they do not protrude above the skin. They are not only unsightly, they can also cause significant discomfort and burning. The exact cause of spider veins is not totally understood. However, they can form because of high venous pressure from larger veins that are not visible to the eye. These reticular or feeding veins must be eliminated for spider vein treatment to be successful.
 Perforators are the so-called “bridging veins” that connect the superficial veins of the leg with the deep venous system. Valve failure can occur here as well, usually due to long standing varicose veins or the development of deep vein phlebitis. The result is that blood is transmitted back to the skin under high pressure. Some of this blood can leak through the vein wall resulting in brownish discoloration and eventual thickening of the skin around the ankle.
Subsequent trauma to this area can lead to the development of open sores called venous stasis ulcers that can take months to heal.
Visible hand veins are a normal finding in most people. However, if they become dilated due to normal aging, they can become very prominent and unsightly, causing many to seek medical alternatives for their removal.
These are very similar in appearance to the spider veins found on legs. There are many causes of facial veins including a number of serious medical conditions. If they are limited in number and are not too prominent, medical treatment is possible.
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