Varicose veins refer to those blood vessels carrying blood low in oxygen content from the body back to the lungs and heart. This is a normal part of the circulatory system and the entire body functions. When these blood vessels fail to circulate the blood properly, they tend to bulge up, causing visible bulging veins called varicose veins. Varicose veins are common in certain parts of the body, especially the legs and thighs. In more severe cases, these bulging veins may rupture or burst, or trigger the formation of open sores or ulcers.

Is varicose veins harmful?

As a matter of fact, varicose veins can occur in men and women within various age range, although women in childbearing age and older are commonly the most affected ones. The occurrence of varicose veins may also be influenced by family history and heredity. There are some other risk factors of the occurrence of these veins and these include the absence or weakness of valves in the veins that triggers poor circulation. A disease such as the inflammation of the veins may also trigger varicose veins.

In most cases, varicose veins are harmless and tend to be merely a cosmetic problem, rather than serious health complication. Some complications related to varicose veins occurrence do not usually come up immediately after the blood vessels bulging. Those complications, however, include bleeding, blood clots formed in superficial veins, and chronic venous insufficiency. Those may look concerning, but as long as you keep these bulging up veins under control, these can be prevented.

What to do if varicose vein bursts

Varicose vein burst or external bleeding to these varicose veins might seem very concerning, if not frightening. People with bulging veins usually experience this after showering, with the most common bleeding location is the ankle, wherein tiny bluish veins are visible. Despite the terror it may cause, varicose vein can be taken care at home before seeking for medical help at the ER. Some things are believed to be able to help improve bursting varicose veins.

• Apply a direct, constant pressure to the bleeding vein using gentle or soft items, such as towels, cotton gauze, or bathing gloves. Do not press the region too tight. Otherwise, do it gently but constantly.
• Elevate the foot above the heart. Hold it for approximately 20 minutes or until the bleeding stops. This is essential, as elevating your foot will inhibit excessive blood flow to the ruptured vein and eventually stop the bleeding.
• Minimize any movements involving the affected leg. It is also important to keep your hands off your ruptured vein, especially if you see some formed ulcers or open sore. It is best to keep those bandaged and closed, so that they will not be aggravated with bacteria. Never rub the area as this may worsen the wound.
• If the bleeding stops with these home remedies, perform aftercare treatments concerning the open wound or blisters that may form. On the other hand, if your vein keeps bleeding within 30 minutes or after continuous constant pressure, it is best to see a doctor. The doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of this vein rupture, so that it can be immediately treated and future bleeding can be prevented.
• Varicose veins may occur as a result of excessive body weight, so that it is advised to keep your body weight under control, so that direct pressure to the leg can be minimized.