Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic problem. Varicosis is a disease that progresses steadily if left untreated and can lead to eczema, open legs, thrombosis, inflammation and even bleeding. Varicose veins should therefore not be trivialized and must be examined by a doctor at an early stage. This is the only way to prevent serious consequential damage, from which those affected often have to suffer for the rest of their lives.

However, prevention is better than treatment for an "open leg", which is why it is important to consult a specialist as soon as the first signs of chronic venous insufficiency appear.

Chronic venous diseases are divided into three stages:

1) still harmless

Small, bluish dilated skin veins appear, usually around the inner ankle on the lower leg. It is not uncommon for swelling to be accompanied by so-called edema ("water in the legs"), which is particularly noticeable when the shoe no longer fits or the stocking leaves an imprint in the skin. This first stage itself is not very serious, but can indicate serious venous disease, which is why a careful examination by a leg specialist is advisable.

2) Skin changes and annoying symptoms

If the chronic venous disease progresses, the skin begins to turn golden brown, like after a sunburn. It also becomes increasingly thicker, harder and more sensitive to the touch. The whole leg sometimes appears hot, sometimes red and often an agonizing itching sets in. This often develops into eczema. All these signs indicate a serious skin disorder that can soon lead to an "open leg". At this stage, a specialist must be consulted immediately for clarification and treatment.

3) The "open leg" (ulcus cruris)

In the case of long-standing venous disease, the skin disorder increases as a result of the chronic congestion on the leg to such an extent that even the smallest injuries hardly heal and an "open leg" (ulcus) develops. At this advanced stage, the only thing that helps is consistent compression treatment using bandages followed by a "rubber stocking".