Varicose veins are a very common problem and often run in families. Women are more susceptible to varicose veins than men. Being overweight increases the pressure on the superficial veins, which can lead to varicose veins. Varicose veins occur when the small superficial veins in the skin of the legs become distorted and dilated. They appear on the surface of the skin as swollen, lumpy and purple cords. In healthy veins there are one-way valves to make sure the blood flows in the right direction, which is from superficial to deep veins and then to the heart. Faulty valves in the superficial or deep veins means that the blood can flow backwards, from deep to superficial and overfill the small veins. Some people believe that varicose veins are the result of long periods of standing, such as hairdressers or people having to work in a shop. This is actually incorrect and standing may only aggravate an already existing problem, but will not cause it.

Varicose veins can ache and sometimes even bleed and may further lead to ulcers around the ankle, which are difficult to treat. Varicose veins can cause the skin at the ankle to change, to firstly an itchy rash and then a brown pigmentation that easily can breakdown into an ulcer.

If you have varicose veins there are some simple self-help measures you can follow to help you feel more comfortable.