Veins are clearly an important part of our body’s make up.  We need these veins in order to transport blood to and from the heart to the rest of the body.  Sometimes, these veins become unsightly when they become obvious through our skin.

Varicose veins affect about 19% of men and 36% of women.  Now, varicosities are the thickened, twisted or dilated parts of the vein.  When there is a defective or deformed valve, you begin seeing the veins show through your skin and they are not like your normal veins.  They are tiny channels and usually reddish or purple. 

There are some factors that can aggravate a varicose vein such as pregnancy, prolonged standing, obesity, straining, age and perhaps prior stress or trauma from surgery.