Al-Ahli Hospital treats skin inflammations caused by varicose veins using the latest advanced therapeutic techniques, namely high-frequency ultrasound technology

Varicose dermatitis refers to the blood vessels that return blood without enough oxygen from the external parts of the body to the heart and lungs. When the veins become abnormally thick, they are called varicose veins. They are most commonly found in the legs and thighs. Spider veins are smaller marks than varicose veins, their color is red, purple, or blue, and they can be easily seen through the skin. They also usually appear on the legs and face.

Dr. Atef Ben Youssef, a Consultant in Open Heart and Vascular Surgery at Al-Ahli Hospital, explained that this disease is very common, affecting approximately 40% of the population. According to estimates, many people suffer from an advanced degree of venous insufficiency, with symptoms such as leg pain, leg swelling, and muscle tension.

The venous system in the legs directs blood from the legs to the central vein located in the abdominal area and from there to the heart. Blood flow in the veins is affected by external factors such as gravity, leg muscles, resistance in the abdominal cavity, and an internal system of unidirectional non-return valves that force venous blood to flow in the desired direction.

Varicose veins in the legs arise due to a disorder in the venous blood drainage system, which causes venous blood to accumulate in the leg veins, leading to increased pressure in the venous system. This phenomenon is called venous hypertension, and the most common disorder resulting from it is a malfunction of the valves in the veins. This malfunction in valve function may be primary (usually congenital) or secondary (usually due to valve damage caused by blood clots). Another cause is the weakness of the muscle contraction in the calf, which is considered the muscular pumping tool of the vein. This weakness may result from paralysis, prolonged sitting, and lack of physical activity, gradually leading to developing venous hypertension.

Other common causes include the formation of blood clots in the veins that obstructs blood flow entirely and increased pressure within the abdomen or pelvis that prevents smooth blood flow from the leg veins to the pelvis and the main vein in the abdomen. Known causes of this include pregnancy, excessive obesity, and tumors in the pelvis.

As pressure builds up in the venous system, fluids begin to accumulate in the soft tissues, leading to the proliferation of connective tissue, damage to the lymphatic system, damage to microcirculation, the appearance of fibrin deposits, and damage to skin cells leading to the development of ulcers. With the technological advancements in modern medicine, surgical interventions for venous insufficiency (varicose veins) are now only recommended in very rare cases. Treatment now involves using very small catheters to treat the affected vein, similar to a blood draw, and utilizing endovascular techniques such as laser therapy or radiofrequency technology. Venaseal closure with biological glue injection is also available at our hospital. In addition, cosmetic treatment of spider veins can be achieved through superficial injections, which have a high success rate exceeding 80%.