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  • Sponsored Q&A

    What are varicose veins?

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  • Dr Andrew Bullen

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    Dr Andrew Bullen is a highly respected Vascular surgeon in the Illawarra region with appointments at Wollongong Private Hospital, Nowra Private Hospital and The Wollongong … View Profile

    Varicose veins are veins which have become enlarged and twisted over a period of time. In normal circulation, veins are the channels that take the blood back from the legs towards the heart. A series of one-way valves stop it falling down again. When these valves become weak, they begin to leak and the blood pools, stretching the veins. The blood can escape the veins and damage the skin.

    To many, varicose veins represent a cosmetic problem, but if varicose veins go untreated, they can cause symptoms such as pain, itchiness and fatigue. Over time, as the inflammation continues, this can damage the skin and lead to eczema, scarring and even ulcers. In about 3% of cases, people can develop a blood clot within the vein.

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