Varicose Veins & Vasculitis
Varicose veins are damaged, swollen, blood-filled veins just below the skin’s surface. Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels affecting the veins, arteries or capillaries. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsVaricose Veins
Small varicose veins that have a deep bluish-purple coloration and spread out in a manner resembling the roots of a plant are called spider veins. About one of every seven adults in the United States has varicose veins. Women are two to three times more likely than men to have varicose veins. People who work standing up or have a family history of varicose veins are more likely to have them.
Dulcinea's Insight
- There are simple measures one can take to avoid developing varicose veins. The Mayo Clinic recommends regular exercise, a healthy diet and leg elevation. Avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes and crossing your legs can also reduce the risk of developing the veins.
Dulcinea's Picks
For overviews …
InteliHealth
has an introduction to varicose veins that covers their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, as well as their incidence and prevalence.
The Mayo Clinic
has an overview with causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention information. You’ll also find self-care tips and some ideas for alternative medicine.
For women …
The National Women’s Health Information Center
has answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” about spider and varicose veins including “How common are abnormal leg veins?” and “Are varicose veins and spider veins painful or dangerous?” At the end of the article, there’s also a list of organizations you can contact for more information.
For children …
KidsHealth
has a description of varicose veins written for a younger audience. In doing so, it covers the basics of blood vessels, the causes of the disease and who gets them. KidsHealth does a great job of making adult issues and conditions accessible to children, on all kinds of topics.
Vasculitis
Inflammation can cause the walls of blood vessels to thicken, reducing the amount of nutrients the body’s tissues receive. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many different types of vasculitis, and though rare, the ailment can affect anyone. If identified early, vasculitis can usually be treated.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The treatment of vasculitis varies depending on the specific type of vasculitis, the severity of the illness, and the organs it affects. Treatments typically aim to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. “Typically, cortisone-related medications, such as prednisone, are used. Additionally, other immune suppression drugs, such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and others, are considered,” according to MedicineNet.
Dulcinea's Picks
For overviews …
MedlinePlus
has a 53-slide tutorial that uses animations and narration to describe vasculitis’s causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Mayo Clinic
has an introduction to vasculitis with information on 14 different varieties including Kawasaki disease, polyarteritis nodosa and rheumatoid vasculitis.
For different types of vasculitis …
The Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center
Web site has pages with detailed information on the specific types of vasculitis under the “Types of Vasculitis” link at the top of the homepage. An example is its page on Buerger’s disease, which is accompanied by photographs of the patient’s gangrenous fingertips.
For organizations …
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
is a federation of voluntary healthcare organizations dedicated to assisting those suffering from rare disorders. The organization is dedicated to identification, treatment and working toward a cure.
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