Any idea how to cover varicose vein?

[UserUser123]

Anyone any idea? I am 35 weeks pregnant and have a horrid varicose vein which has leaked and I have purple staining which covers most of my bottom right leg. It looks like a giant bruise.

Myself and DP were wanting to go somewhere nice for dinner this weekend and I’d really like to make a bit of an effort and wear a black bodycon midi dress with heels but I really don’t want this horrid purple staining to be visible 😩

This is the mark I want to cover

Tights or foundation are probably your best bet. Hope it's not painful for you

Thanks Katniss

I’ve tried foundation but it doesn’t work and was wanting to steer clear of tights as I feel I’d look like I was dressed too much for the office (I wear black dresses and tights to work a lot)

Re: pain. It’s not too bad, I wear a support stocking which helps. Can’t wait till this baby’s out so I can get my body back lol!

varicose veins don't 'leak' and cause these sort of bruises. I would get medical advice to rule out a thrombosis.

I had something very similar near my varicose vein in my second pregnancy. It’s unsightly but only became painful postpartum when I developed phlebitis.

In the meantime, try Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, OP. I would normally suggest fake tan but I don’t think it would be a good idea to rub or massage the area too much in this case.

Sally Hansen airbrush legs is a really good product. It would definitely minimise how noticeable it is.

I would say wear black tights or maybe foundation..

Tights but different to the ones you would wear to work, so maybe thinner or coloured or patterned or pop some nude ones on with fishnets over the top.

Thanks for the suggestions ladies! I’ve found a dress online I really like which looks like it would cover a fair bit of my leg below the knee, so am going to order that and I’ll get the airbrush legs

@ThanksItHasPockets did yours improve after the baby was born? I’m really hoping I’m not going to be left with this forever

@rainbowbash

I’ve seen both a doctor, consultant and midwive about it and they’ve all said it’s a varicose vein which has leaked

They’ve also said the purple staining is from iodine which is present in the blood

Oh - and thrombosis has been ruled out as there’s no swelling or redness on the leg. Consultant at the hospital measured my legs the other day and they were both measuring the same size

have you used arnica cream? I bruise easily and arnica cream is by far the best to help bruises to go away.

@UserUser123 Yes, the discolouration has completely gone now. I still have a varicose vein but it is much less prominent than before. I’m sure yours will improve dramatically after the birth.

@rainbowbash - I was just googling Arnica before I read your message I’m going to go to boots tomorrow and get some along with the airbrush legs.

@ThanksItHasPockets - that’s reassuring. I do expect the varicose vein to remain but not be as prominent or spongy looking (I got the vein with my second pregnancy but no discolouration) the vein comes from the top of my thigh then seems to “spill out” from just below the knee. I’m fine with the vain staying but really hope the discolouration goes once the baby is here.

Thanks again!