Complications of Varicose Veins :

Pigmentation around the ankle There will be dark pigmentation of the skin. This could be as spots or as a patch. Delay in treatment makes the pigment to get stuck to the deeper layers of skin and it may not go even after surgery. Pigmentation leads to itching and dermatitis

Stasis Dermatitis Varicose veins can lead to dermatitis an itchy rash. If you have varicose veins in your legs, dermatitis may affect your lower leg or ankle. Dermatitis can cause bleeding or skin ulcers (sores) if the skin is scratched or irritated.

Bleeding Bleeding from the varicosity is a common complication. It usually occurs spontaneously and is painless. Hence many times patients are not even aware of the bleeding till they see the blood. Blood spurts from a small pin hole at the anle or foot. Patient should lie down immediately ,raise the leg.and apply compression over the bleeding site. This will reduce the venous pressure and stop the bleeding. A compression bandage should be worn on top of the dressing and medical help should be sought.

Superficial Phlebitis(clotting of the varicosity) Varicose veins also can lead to a condition called superficial thrombophlebitis Thrombophlebitis is a blood clot in a vein. Superficial thrombophlebitis means that the blood clot occurs in a vein close to the surface of the skin. This type of blood clot may cause pain and rarely can migrate to the deep vein and to the heart causing serious symptoms..

Ulcers : Extremely painful ulcers may form on the skin near varicose veins, particularly near the ankles. Ulcers are caused by long-term fluid buildup in these tissues, caused by increased pressure of blood within affected veins. A discolored spot on the skin usually begins before an ulcer forms. Minor injury or scratching is enough to cause an ulcer. The ulcer does not heal by the usual methods..

Blood clots: Occasionally, veins deep within the legs become enlarged. In such cases, the affected leg may swell considerably. Any sudden leg swelling warrants urgent medical attention because it may indicate a blood clot — a condition known medically as Deep Vein thrombosis. Patients with varicose veins are more prone to develop deep vein thrombosis.