Varicose vein bruising occurs when a vein bursts or bleeds into the surrounding tissue. Bruises from varicose veins aren’t common, but when they suddenly appear and cause a large area of discoloration on your skin, they can be alarming. A vein bruise can also signify more serious health issues, so it’s essential to know when to see a vein doctor for help.
This article examines what happens when a varicose vein bruises and what you should do if you notice a burst varicose vein bruise on your body.
The Connection Between Varicose Veins and Vein Bruising
The root cause of varicose veins is damage to the delicate valves in the veins. When these valves weaken, the veins can’t sufficiently pump blood back to the heart. This can lead to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or vein disease, which most often affects the legs.
In the early stages of venous insufficiency, blood flows backward, stretching leg veins causing swollen and enlarged varicose veins. Fluid build-up in the surrounding tissue also causes swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles.
If left untreated, veins continue to malfunction. Symptoms of poor circulation, like leg heaviness, aching pain, and itchy skin, start developing. There’s also increased pressure on the veins, which can further weaken vein walls.
Very weak veins are more likely to burst, leading to bleeding, bruising, and skin discoloration.
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What Causes Varicose Vein Bruising?
The appearance of bruised veins can result from extra pressure on weakened veins near the skin. The vein walls of varicose veins are more vulnerable, so a minor bump on the affected area can cause the vein to break. This results in bleeding in the surrounding tissue, leaving a darkened area on your skin.
If you see unexplained bruises on your skin, it could be bruising from a ruptured vein. A vein can burst without any noticeable trauma or pain. Some medications like blood thinners can also make a person more susceptible to bruising.
What Does a Ruptured Vein Bruise Look Like?
A bruise caused by a burst varicose vein will be purplish-blue in color and tender to the touch or slightly swollen. The color can also change as the bruise heals, going from a darker blue to yellow and brown.²
A varicose vein bruise might look similar to a normal bruise. However, a few distinctions can help you determine if bruising on your leg is from a ruptured varicose vein.
- A normal bruise usually disappears on its own after a few days to two weeks, while varicose vein bruises take longer to heal.
- Varicose vein bruises can appear without any pain or trauma to the affected area.
- Varicose vein bruising can also cover a large area of the skin, where a normal bruise is localized to the affected area.
- A varicose vein that bursts might also bleed externally, leading to sharp pain and discomfort
- Dark blue or brown bruise What is Varicose Vein Bruising? Varicose vein bruising refers to the appearance of dark blue or brown bruises on the skin over varicose veins. These bruises occur due to the pooling of blood in the affected veins, which puts pressure on the surrounding tissues. While not always painful, varicose vein bruising can be unsightly and may indicate underlying venous insufficiency. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and possible treatment options for varicose vein bruising.
What Are the Risks of a Bruised Varicose Vein?
It’s important to monitor varicose vein bruising. Varicose vein bruises are caused by damaged, weakened veins, and they can indicate a risk of more serious conditions that have the same root cause.
Venous Ulcers
Venous ulcers are open sores that don’t heal or take longer than six weeks to heal. The skin around an ulcer might be thickened or appear leathery, and the wound itself might bleed or ooze with or a clear or yellowish discharge.
Bruising from varicose veins can be a warning sign that ulcers might start developing. Venous ulcers are signs of advanced vein disease.
If you notice bruising, skin changes, or any open sore, you should see a vein specialist for treatment.
Blood Clots
People with varicose veins are at a higher risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially dangerous blood clot.
If you have varicose vein bruising and notice symptoms of a blood clot, such as skin that’s warm to the touch, redness around the area, or pain that feels like a pulled muscle or cramp, seek medical attention immediately.
Bleeding
A varicose vein that ruptures can bleed externally. This might happen when an injury breaks the skin on top of your vein. If your vein bleeds, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. You can also elevate your leg to slow down the flow of blood.
Prevention Tips for Varicose Veins and Bruising
Treating varicose veins is the most effective way to prevent future vein bruising. Vein treatments close the damaged, diseased veins, improving blood circulation and helping alleviate symptoms like leg pain, swelling, and itchy skin. They also prevent bruising, blood clots, and leg ulcers.
Even after treatment, taking care of your veins is still important to keep them healthy and strong. Healthy habits for supporting your veins include:
- Regular exercise to boost circulation and strengthen leg muscles
- Eating a healthy diet to maintain a healthy weight — a high body mass index (BMI) is a major risk factor for varicose veins³
- Getting regular vein health check-ups to watch for signs of vein disease
USA Vein Clinics is a national network of vein treatment centers offering minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins and spider veins. Our team of expert vein specialists provides screenings and personalized treatment plans. Book a consultation at a clinic near you today and learn how our vein treatments can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if a varicose vein has ruptured?
A ruptured varicose vein will bleed, causing blood to pool in the surrounding tissue. This will create a bruise under the skin. It can also cause a sudden, sharp pain and bleed externally. You also might notice some swelling around the affected area.
Is it dangerous if you bruise a varicose vein?
A bruise from a varicose vein might go away on its own. However, the varicose veins will not, and more bruises may occur. If you have varicose vein bruising, your veins are damaged and will require treatment. Schedule a consultation with a vein specialist near you to determine how treatment can help.
How is a varicose vein bruise different from hemosiderin staining?
Hemosiderin staining is another type of discoloration caused by damaged blood vessels. Both varicose vein bruises and hemosiderin staining occur when components of the blood end up in the skin. For hemosiderin staining, iron in the blood leaks from capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. The iron stains the skin, leaving a patch of discoloration.
Can varicose veins bleed internally?
Yes, a varicose vein can bleed internally. If it does, you might see a bruise on the skin. If a bruise doesn’t go away after about two weeks, see a vein specialist for an evaluation.
How do you treat bruised varicose veins?
You can treat a bruised varicose vein with ice to relieve any pain or swelling. If there’s also bleeding, elevate your leg and apply pressure. Bruising could indicate a more serious underlying condition and a vein specialist should assess the bruise and vein to determine the next steps.
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Sources
- “Varicose veins: Overview,” InformedHealth.org (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279247/
- Jenna Fletcher, medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, “What do the colors of a bruise mean?” Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322742
- Meghal R Antani, Jeffery B Dattilo, “Varicose Veins,” in: StatPearls [Internet] (StatPearls Publishing), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470194/
