Bruises or spider veins? What to do? (Photo)

Question

I’m a 20yr old female, I have a consistent weight, and generally active. I started working full time about 3-4 months ago and I noticed these this week, on my left thigh. Are they bruises or veins? If veins how Can I fix and prevent this? I am always on my feet but I am moving quite a bit as it is retail. Im worried these are veins, but I do bruise easily too so I’m not too sure. Photos included no flash and flash

Andres Zavala, DO · Answer

From the pictures posted it is difficult to say for certain. Although these have the appearance of bruising, small clusters of little veins can sometimes appear similar.  If these are in fact veins, you can see what is called blanching (clearing of the area) by applying pressure over the area that is then followed by inflow and refilling of the area.  If it is bruising then it wont blanch. Also, bruises will go away within a few weeks but veins will persist. Only way to tell, would be to either wait to see if they go away or do a formal in person assessment. In either case, I do recommend you use compression stockings at work since you are on your feet all day. This will help maintain healthy veins healthy and prevent rapid worsening of any unhealthy veins.

Michael Nguyen, MD · Answer

To be active is a great healthy habit to strengthen your muscles and maintain good circulation. Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close to help the return of the blood back to the heart. By looking at the photos, it is very limited what can be said; however, I recommend an evaluation with a vein specialist if you are concerned about veins or venous reflux disease.  What venous reflux does is that the affected valves that keep blood in the veins flowing out of the legs and back to the heart, no longer function. This causes the blood to pool in the legs forming varicose veins and leading to many other signs and symptoms. Consider an evaluation with a vein specialist who you can trust that can examine your venous system with ultrasound.Best,

John Landi, MD · Answer

The posted pictures are not easy to decipher.  If you have small veins then they can be treated by topical laser or sclerotherapy.  If bruising then they will resolve spontaneously over several weeks.  See a vein specialist.

Ivan Brooks, MD · Answer

in my office i see lots of patients that work retail. I always recommend to wear compression stockings. Especially when standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. Although difficult from your photos to determine the issue, bruises will improve within 4-5 weeks. Veins will continue to be present and only get worse.

Bruises or spider veins? What to do? (Photo)

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Answer: Bruises or veins

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Bruises or spider veins? What to do? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Bruises or veins

Answer: Bruises or veins

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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