Just like smoking damages the lungs, venous problems show their effects on the skin. Over the course of years, varicose veins result in high back-pressure in the veins. That pressure causes skin discoloration and skin texture changes. This can culminate in an open sore that is very difficult to heal.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a term we use to describe a patient who has more than bulging varicose veins. These patients are now beginning to have other manifestations of their venous problems. These include edema (leg swelling), changes in skin color, changes in skin texture (tightening) and the formation of venous stasis ulcers. In patients with CVI, our treatment goals change. Now, we not only want to eliminate symptoms of heaviness and aching in the legs, but we want to address leg swelling and do everything we can to protect the skin from further damage.