Can excessive touching make varicose veins worse?

I have an anxiety disorder and as a result, I've been excessively touching the varicose veins in my legs. Medically speaking, can doing this make my varicose veins worse?

Answers from doctors (6)


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Oct 30, 2016

Theoretically, excessive massage of varicose veins could cause inflammation of the inner lining of the vein wall, resulting in phlebitis or thrombophlebitis. Short answer: don't rub your varicose veins.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Theoretically, excessive massage of varicose veins could cause inflammation of the inner lining of the vein wall, resulting in phlebitis or thrombophlebitis. Short answer: don't rub your varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 27, 2016

Perhaps being measured and fitted into an appropriate compression hose may reduce your desire to keep touching. If the skin and vein walls are thin, it is possible to develop a small bleed. I recommend you be evaluated by a vascular-trained surgeon who specializes in treating varicose veins and treat the problem.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Perhaps being measured and fitted into an appropriate compression hose may reduce your desire to keep touching. If the skin and vein walls are thin, it is possible to develop a small bleed. I recommend you be evaluated by a vascular-trained surgeon who specializes in treating varicose veins and treat the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Oct 26, 2016

No, but it may make the skin over the veins sore and irritated.

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Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

No, but it may make the skin over the veins sore and irritated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Published on Oct 26, 2016

No, touching should not make the varicose veins worse. Please see a board-certified vascular doctor for your varicosities.

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Answered by NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

No, touching should not make the varicose veins worse. Please see a board-certified vascular doctor for your varicosities.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Oct 26, 2016

I don't think anyone can answer this question with certainty because it's so unusual. Most likely it's not making them worse, but I can't say for sure.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I don't think anyone can answer this question with certainty because it's so unusual. Most likely it's not making them worse, but I can't say for sure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 15, 2014

Excessive touching of the varicose veins should not make them any worse, but you may cause skin irritation over the veins, which could lead to an inflammatory reaction.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Excessive touching of the varicose veins should not make them any worse, but you may cause skin irritation over the veins, which could lead to an inflammatory reaction.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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