Varicose veins?

QThe veins on my legs are becoming much darker as I age. Why is that? Jemma, Darlington

AYou may have developed varicose veins, which is a condition affecting the valves of the veins. This allows the blood to flow in both directions and therefore prevents the drainage of blood from the veins, especially in the lower extremities.

This constant pressure causes the veins to become darker and more obvious.

However, even if there are no varicose veins, with age the soft tissue around the veins reduces, which naturally makes them stand out more even if they’re normal.

Again, there are private treatments which are available to get rid of varicose veins and they are a relatively cheap and simple procedure.