Suite 16
Beacon Consultants Private Clinic
Beacon Hospital
Sandyford
Dublin 18
Laser Veins.ie
Irelands Premier Vein Treatment Clinic
Varicose Veins
Spider Veins/Thread Veins
Leg Ulcers
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
VARICOSE VEINS
Varicose veins are bulging, dilated veins which occur most often in the leg and thigh. They are very common, and occur in both men and women. The cause is uncertain but they can run in families and are likely related to anything that reduces blood flow through the veins back to the heart, including standing.
Apart from being unsightly, varicose veins can cause symptoms such as itch or throbbing. Longstanding varicose veins can cause serious skin reactions including eczema, swelling, hardening and ulceration. Spider veins or dermal flares are like mini varicose veins occurring in the skin.
Most varicose veins are associated with leaking valves in the main surface veins which causes the veins to be inefficient in carrying blood back to the heart. The valve function of veins is tested using an ultrasound scan that can show the direction of blood flow.
SPIDER VEINS/THREAD VEINS
Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They also are closer to the surface of the skin than
varicose veins. Often, they are red or blue. They can look like tree branches or spiderwebs with their
short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very
large area of skin.
LEG ULCERS
Venous ulcers are caused by venous reflux. Venous reflux means that the blood flows backwards
through the circulatory system. When the veins are not working properly, the blood backs up into
the superficial veins, increasing pressure and causing the veins to become elongated and dilated.
The tissue surrounding those veins no longer receives a good supply of fresh blood, including the
infection-fighting white blood cells. As a result, toxins remain in the tissue and the site may become
ulcerated.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a medical condition in which the veins in the body are unable to pump oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart, often resulting in chronic swelling in the legs.