Murder in the Bathroom? [Vein & Laser]

… at least, that’s what it looks like, blood everywhere, on the floor and low on the walls.  However it is not as gruesome as it appears, in fact the culprit is often a tiny wee vein that you may not have even noticed amongst the many other small spiders veins on the lower legs or feet.

The classic story is of someone having just got out of the shower or bath and be drying themselves, when they notice blood on the floor and low on the walls.  They often cannot see where the blood is coming from, and it can be very frightening. Commonly, this happens during or just after showering, when hot or rubbing with a towel, but it can happen at anytime, for all sorts of reasons.

“Blue Blebs” (BB’s) or when they bleed, “Bleeding Blue Blebs” (BBB’s) are very common.  They are very dark, even black, little pinhead segments in spider veins that are very superficial and vulnerable and are usually seen on the lower calf or foot. Their owners will have some larger varicose veins further up the leg as well.

 
What has happened?

The skin over one of these BB’s has opened up.  Then, because there is pressure from the larger veins above and the person is standing, the blood sprays out in a very fine continuous spray.  It doesn’t pulse (as an artery would), or trickle out (as a normal vein would), it sprays.  There can appear to be a lot of blood, but in reality usually there isn’t that much.

What to do if it happens to you:

•    Lie down and elevate the leg above the heart.  
•    Apply pressure to the point the blood is coming from.
•    It will stop, but many people are on aspirin or warfarin and this can slow the clotting time down, so be patient.  
•    It may start up again when you stand up.
•    Don’t move around the house – that will make a bigger mess!
•    When the bleeding stops, apply a dressing.
•    A small scab will form that eventually heals.
•    If you are really concerned, call an ambulance.
•    If you feel under control, keep a dressing over the site until you have seen your doctor.
•    Your doctor may suggest getting treatment for the vein problems.

There are several treatment options these days, but that’s another story…

Vein & Laser are experts in this field, so for advice and treatment come and see the caring, experienced team of doctors, ultrasonographers and nurses.  
Vein & Laser

Now with clinics in Warkworth, North Shore & Herne Bay.

Southern Cross Affiliated

Phone: 0800 085 555  or 09 410 0990

www.veinandlaser.co.nz

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