Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that can appear under the skin, usually in the legs. They can be red or blue in color.Varicose veins are bulging, enlarged veins. Any vein that is close to the skin's surface, called superficial, can become varicosed. Varicose veins most often affect the veins in the legs. That's because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body.

Varicose veins are generally benign. The cause of this condition is not known.For many people, there are no symptoms and varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern. In some cases, they cause aching pain and discomfort or signal an underlying circulatory problem.Treatment involves compression stockings, exercise or procedures to close or remove the veins.