Varicose veins in black skin: is there special care? How is the treatment?

At varicose veins are a fairly common health condition: they affect 38% of the population, according to data from the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV). In addition, they appear more frequently in women, reaching 45% of the female populationalso according to the entity.

“Varicose veins are diseased veins, which are not working well and hinder circulation”, explains angiologist Thiago Rocha. “They arise from genetics, but a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, cigarette use, pregnancy and hormones are risk factors”, he adds.

The higher prevalence in the female public is related to hormonal variations of menstruation and pregnancy. However, many people believe that the incidence in black skin is lower than in white skin, but this is not true.

Read more: Types of varicose veins: recognize each one and see the most dangerous ones

“The incidence is exactly the same. However, in some people with black skin, the initial varicose veins are less prominent in the aesthetic appearance, as they provide less contrast”, clarifies the angiologist. “For this reason, it may seem that there is a higher incidence in fair skin, but all skin is prone to varicose veins”, he says.

Is there, then, special care in the way of treating varicose veins in black skin? This is what we are going to explain below. Check out:

Varicose veins in black and white skin: is there a difference in treatment?

In theory, there is no difference in the treatment of varicose veins in white and black skin. However, for a long time, existing procedures could cause spots on more pigmented skin, as they interfered with the absorption rate of melanin.

“In the past, the laser used was not recommended for black skin, because it had a type of energy that burned melanin and offered risks to black skin, disfavoring the treatment”, explains Thiago.

Nowadays, there is a procedure with more advanced technology that offers less risk to black skin, being more beneficial for the treatment of varicose veins in this population. It’s about the Nd-Yag laser. “With it, we managed to treat black skin as well as white skin, with no difference, with specific adjustments for each skin”, says the expert.

Know more: Improper treatment of varicose veins can pose health risks

But after all, how the treatment for varicose veins with Nd-Yag works? According to Thiago, this type of laser has less affinity for melanin, which characterizes skin color, and more affinity for hemoglobin, which characterizes blood color. “So, we managed to treat varicose veins without having to burn the skin, even black skin. We were able, with the specific regulation, to reach the vein efficiently, without harming the melanin”, he details.

Special care during the treatment of varicose veins

In addition to the proper laser procedure, there are special precautions that must be followed while treating varicose veins. However, according to Thiago, these care is the same for people with white skin and black skin.

“Avoid arriving at the office to perform the procedure with a lot of tanning, avoid excessive sun exposure before the procedure, keep the skin hydrated and follow the regular annual treatment with the angiologist”, lists the specialist.

Is there a way to avoid the appearance of varicose veins?

Because they are related to genetic predisposition and hormonal factors, it is not possible to completely avoid the appearance of varicose veins. However, some measures can improve the discomfort caused by them and prevent complications. Are they:

• Maintain healthy weight;

• Practice exercises;

• Consume a high fiber content;

• Reduce salt consumption;

• Avoid high heels or tight socks;

• Avoid staying in the same position for a long time;

• Elevate your legs whenever possible.