Am I getting varicose veins?

Question

I am a 19 year old girl and I have very visible blue leg veins. I have them for about two years. One vein in the back of my knee bulges out a bit but the rest of my leg veins (quite a few) do not. Also i am not overweight, don't stand or sit for long periods of time, none of my parents have varicose veins and I do not use birthcontrole, so there is almost no chance it are varicose veins. But what can it be?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Visible blue veins may be reticular veins or an early warning sign for future varicose veins. Your family history can provide some insight to your future vein problems. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Venous insufficiency can occur at a young age and I have treated it as early as age 8 in a girl whose had 2 parents, 4 grandparents and overall approximately 10 family members with severe venous insufficiency, lipodermatosclerosis and venous stasis ulcers. Take some natural supplements like horse chestnut extract, avoid weight gain, walk daily, keep your calf muscles strong, wear compression stockings and get these existing varicose veins treated.

John Landi, MD · Answer

What your pictures show are called blue or reticular veins which are very common in thin and fair skinned people.  Although you do not have varicose veins, you may want  to consider having a venous reflux ultrasound.  This will show if you have reflux (leaking) valves of the saphenous system.  If you have reflux, you will be prone to develop varicose veins and you probably should consider wearing support hose.  Also, these blue veins can be treated by sclerotherapy if they bother you.

Am I getting varicose veins?

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