Are varicose veins just a cosmetic problem?
While tiny spider veins (telangiectasia) may be a cosmetic problem if they are not associated with pain, varicose veins are NOT just a cosmetic problem.
Although some patients with varicose veins may not experience pain, varicose veins will worsen with time. Patients with varicose veins eventually will develop complications which may include tired, heavy legs; swelling of the ankles; infection (cellulitis); clotting (thrombophlebitis); skin changes (stasis dermatitis); venous stasis ulcerations or poorly-healing wounds; pain; or itching. Early detection and treatment of varicose veins may prevent many of these complications.