Stage 4: Skin discoloration
In stage 4 of vein diseases, there is an occurrence of skin discoloration or lipodermatosclerosis in which the people experience pain and also report sensations of itchiness and irritation in the legs. People having skin discoloration also typically suffer from pain in the areas near the varicose veins. The accumulation and build up of blood in the veins and nearby tissues changes the skin color in the areas around the ankles and the legs. Moreover, the fatty tissues beneath the surface of the skin start swelling, and skin appears as discolored patches. With progressive stages of stage 4 vein diseases, there is cracking and bleeding of skin surface near the varicose veins. The cracking of the skin surface may also lead to the development of open wounds, which are an open invitation for infections to occur.
Some symptoms of stage 4 vein disease:
Changing of skin color
Swelling and pain sensation in the ankles and legs
Legs start tapering above the ankles
Thickening and hardening of skin around the areas of varicose veins
Leg ulcers
The appearance of leathery texture on the skin surface
Some causes of stage 4 vein disease:
Hormonal changes
Poor diet
Heart diseases
Obesity
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
Prolonged periods of standing or sitting
At this stage of vein diseases, the patient must go to a doctor for proper consultation to diagnose and develop a treatment plan.