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Warning-sign checks

Spider veins: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, collapse or fainting.

    These can be signs of a blood clot that has travelled to the lungs.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical care for sudden swelling, pain, warmth or redness in one leg.

    These can be symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in a deeper vein.

    Spider veins do not usually cause this, but the symptoms should not be assumed to come from visible surface vessels.

    Get urgent help if a vein is bleeding and firm, continuous pressure does not stop it.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if:

    • The veins cause persistent aching, itching or burning
    • You also have leg swelling, larger varicose veins or ankle skin changes
    • A patch changes quickly or many vessels appear without a clear reason
    • You have recurrent nosebleeds or a family history of unusual bleeding
    • You are considering a cosmetic procedure and want the veins assessed

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Spider veins. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.