Have you ever found yourself pondering on the strange fact that your veins appear to be blue? This can be an odd thing for us to think about since we understand our blood to be, in fact, red. So why do our veins, which are part of the body's transport system for our blood supply, appear to be blue rather than red? Blood carries hemoglobin which is how oxygen is transported. The blood picks up oxygen in the lungs and turns red. When the blood is delivered to the body's tissues, the oxygen is utilized, and the blood - which now has less oxygen - is a blue color.
This is all to say that our vein's blue color becomes more noticeable when they are located in areas where the skin is thinner. Where the skin is thinner, it's easier to see the blood underneath. They are also more noticeable in people with very fair skin, and this is because dark complexions have a chemical called melanin which reduces the visibility of the blood. Melanin is the part of the skin that allows you to get a tan. Visible veins, however, are usually completely normal.
In the video below, I go into more detail on why your veins appear blue and why yours might be appearing more visible than normal:
When Are Blue Veins NOT Normal?
Blue veins that appear anywhere on the legs (thigh, knee, calf, ankle) may be caused by a legitimate medical condition caused by abnormalities in veins known as vein reflux.
They are not normal and have vein reflux when they are:
- connected to spider veins
- when they start becoming curvy - taking S-turns - and are not straight.
- If the blue vein has a spot or section that is bulging.
- if there is burning, stinging or itching in the area of the vein.
If visible veins have reflux, they are guaranteed to progressively enlarge, becoming more visible, bulging and uncomfortable. If you don't have these associations, it is likely that your blue veins are normal and not a cause for concern. If people have vein reflux with symptoms, it is easily treated in the office and is covered by most insurance. If you don't have symptoms, it's considered a cosmetic treatment and is also easily treated in the office with sclerotherapy, though it is not covered by insurance.
To get your condition sorted out, the best place to start is with a free vein screening. We'll take look at your symptoms and your veins, and make a recommendation. Contact us today to schedule your free vein screening.
