What causes prominent veins to appear across the whole body?

My veins have become more prominent across my whole body. First, it started across my chest and breasts, then my feet and legs, then the sides of my hips (near my stomach). Now this morning, my arms, wrists, and hands have them. There is localized pain that feels like pulsating sharp pain around some of them, itching and also pins and needles. I have low blood pressure and often feel exhausted no matter how much I sleep. Reoccurring bruising around my legs is also another symptom.

Answers from doctors (2)


Center for Advanced Vein Care

Published on Sep 18, 2018

It is very difficult to say for sure - with all of your various symptoms - without doing a complete history and physical exam. Some of your symptoms may be signs of inflammation or may not be related to the veins, even if they appear temporarily to be.

Whole body involvement is definitely a different issue that local vein issues. That all being said, veins can appear more prominently on some people simply because of having different skin tones or having different levels of subcutaneous fat.

For example, older thin people may have less fatty tissue surrounding their veins, so the veins are more prominent. You can see the same thing with bodybuilders who have very little body fat as well. If you have lost significant amounts of weight, you may also see your veins more than you did before.

In your specific case, I would recommend following up with your health care specialist or doctor because some of the symptoms you have listed may very well be simply treated with diet or vitamin-like supplements. Or, you may need further evaluation to ensure nothing more significant is going on.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8667_1532726377.jpg
Answered by Center for Advanced Vein Care

It is very difficult to say for sure - with all of your various symptoms - without doing a complete history and physical exam. Some of your symptoms may be signs of inflammation or may not be related to the veins, even if they appear temporarily to be.

Whole body involvement is definitely a different issue that local vein issues. That all being said, veins can appear more prominently on some people simply because of having different skin tones or having different levels of subcutaneous fat.

For example, older thin people may have less fatty tissue surrounding their veins, so the veins are more prominent. You can see the same thing with bodybuilders who have very little body fat as well. If you have lost significant amounts of weight, you may also see your veins more than you did before.

In your specific case, I would recommend following up with your health care specialist or doctor because some of the symptoms you have listed may very well be simply treated with diet or vitamin-like supplements. Or, you may need further evaluation to ensure nothing more significant is going on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lonnie Harrison, MD

Published on Sep 14, 2018

You need to see your physician but heart conditions, sleep apnea, and certain medication can all impair venous return to the heart and result in venous problems. An evaluation and testing should deliver a diagnosis if there is one.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8669_1533662769.jpg
Answered by Lonnie Harrison, MD

You need to see your physician but heart conditions, sleep apnea, and certain medication can all impair venous return to the heart and result in venous problems. An evaluation and testing should deliver a diagnosis if there is one.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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