Many people have opted for tattoos to cover up unsightly skin conditions or personal insecurities. Many people feel uncomfortable showing off skin that has varicose veins or spider veins and are looking to tattoos as a possible solution for these unwanted signs of aging. But is it recommended? We have a look at the risks that could be involved with tattooing over varicose and spider veins.
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What Are Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?
Varicose veins are large, twisted veins that more commonly appear in the legs. They are swollen and protrude slightly from the skin. Spider veins are a less serious type of varicose vein and they often look like a spider web beneath the skin, rather than protruding and looking swollen. They can be anywhere on the body but more commonly occur on your legs, feet, or face.
According to Hopkins Medicine, varicose veins, “are caused by increased blood pressure in the veins. Varicose veins happen in the veins near the surface of the skin. The blood moves towards the heart by one-way valves in the veins. When the valves become weakened or damaged, blood can collect in the veins. This causes the veins to become enlarged.”
While varicose veins themselves are not dangerous or pose any severe risk to your health, they are often influenced by other health factors such as:
- Inactive lifestyle
- Obesity
- Old age
- Leg injuries
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
Varicose veins could cause a sore leg sensation, may influence a rash, or could generally cause skin discoloration.
Can You Tattoo Over Varicose Veins?
While you could tattoo over any skin that is undamaged, including the skin that covers varicose and spider veins, it’s generally not recommended by doctors. In fact, it may pose additional health risks in time.
The Risks of Tattooing Over Varicose Veins
Tattooing over varicose veins is not entirely risk free.
Difficulty Treating the Disease
Doctors need access to and need to monitor your varicose veins in order to diagnose and treat them. If your varicose veins are covered, any changes would be difficult to keep an eye on.
Worsening the Condition
With swollen veins, you increase the risk of causing further irritation to the area. Unskilled or unprofessional tattoo artists who are incapable of working at this depth put you at risk of infection or causing decreased function in the limb due to potentially piercing the vein.
Threats to Overall Health
If you risk puncturing a vein during your tattooing process, your varicose vein will have severe difficulty healing itself because it is already damaged and unhealthy. In addition, the risk of blood clot with varicose veins increases if there is a wound, such as a tattoo, in the same region. This could impact your overall health and would require professional intervention and treatment.
Consider Treatment Over Tattooing
Varicose veins can be treated in numerous says, such as:
- Leg elevation
- Compression stockings
- Vein stripping surgery
- Thermal ablation
- Microphlebectomy
- Sclerotherapy
None of these treatments can safely be performed if the doctor is unable to monitor the changes in pigmentation and swelling of your varicose veins, which could be hidden under a tattoo.
Our Final Thoughts
Seeking treatment for your varicose veins is a far better option than risking a tattoo over the area. Wanting to cover your spider veins and varicose veins is understandable, but it’s important that doctors are able to monitor these issues. Proper medical treatment is a more effective method to hiding your unsightly veins than putting your health in jeopardy by tattooing over them.
