Blue Veins: What the Color of Your Veins Says About Your Health

If blood is red, why are veins blue? The answer depends on a number of things, including how your eyes perceive color, how light behaves when it contacts your body, and the special properties of blood.If you have pale skin it’s not uncommon to see blue veins traveling across your arms, neck, chest and legs. In fact, visible veins that show through the skin’s surface are just a part of life. 

But if you have big, blue, bulging veins you have varicose veins—and a red flag for vein health. 

Varicose veins and vein health

For many people, varicose veins and spider veins—a common, mild variation of varicose veins—are a cosmetic concern. However, varicose veins that cause aching, pain and discomfort can lead to serious health problems like:

  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency
    A pooling of blood, which leads to chronic leg swelling, increased pressure and skin discoloration.
  • Superficial Venous Thrombosis or Phlebitis
    A blood clot that develops in a vein close to the skin’s surface.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
    A blood clot deep within the affected vein.
  • Ulcers
    An open sore that will not heal.

If you’re struggling with painful, unsightly varicose veins, trust your vein health to Carolina Vein Specialists. We are focused on minimally invasive procedures that offer significant benefits over the older, vein stripping methods. All of our procedures are performed in-office and without sedation, which means you can get right back to doing the things you love with little to no downtime. 

Before starting this or any treatment, seek a consultation from an accredited vein specialist near you. Most medically necessary vein procedures are covered (at least in part) by insurance. If your insurer doesn’t cover your medical needs, ask the front office about alternative payment options. Additionally, some insurers may ask you to meet a set of requirements before you’re treated (like wearing compression hose for up to three months), which can delay treatment. Don’t wait to see a vein specialist, get help as soon as you’re able. Some offices even offer free consultations to qualifying patients. 

For experienced vein treatment in NC from credentialed vein care specialists, contact Carolina Vein Specialists at 336-218-8346.