skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Varicose Veins? Do you wear shorts or . . .?

13 years ago

I have one lovely smooth leg and one leg with a rather ugly varicose vein. It has become more noticable over the years; my mom had them so they're probably inherited (I'm 50s, fit, never had kids). It doesn't hurt and when I pointed it out to my doctor she didn't have anything to say. Today I went to an event and wore no hose under my dress (beastly hot outside, and besides I wore sandals). I am also athletic and wear shorts all summer. But I wonder if I should start being more careful to cover up/hide the ugly vein. Just wondering what others think/do. Is there a varicose vein etiquette?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

Georgysmom
13 years ago
Life is too short....enjoy it. You probably notice more than anyone else. Forget about it and be cool.
heather_on
13 years ago
I agree!
Related Discussions
Varicose veins & witch hazel
Q
Comments (3)
Glad to help, Silversword. As an additional update. It has been 5 days since my posting, and I have continued my nightly regimen using just witch hazel and cotton balls. I notice several days ago that I no longer had swelling in my ankles and as of tonight, the biggest patch of broken veins has diminished remarkably. There is just one vein showing there and it is looking pale. I feel like I've stumbled on a miracle! Keep it up, the results are fast. I rub it all around the patches I can see and behind my knees where I know there are some veins, also around the outer edge of my feet where I can see lots of veins. I never expected such quick results, and I was astonished that my swollen ankles aren't swollen at all anymore. It never occurred that could happen. Just because of some arthritis, I've also been using it on my hands and arms hoping better circulation will ease some of the pain in my fingers. Nothing noticeable on that yet, but it can't hurt to try. Zhizara
...See More
What do you Wear When You Garden?
Q
Comments (28)
I wear old jeans and t-shirts unsuitable for anything else. I rarely wear shorts as I cannot stand dirt at the back of my knees. Also always a baseball cap. I try to remember the sunscreen too but sometimes forget. I usually carry a bandana around to wipe my eyes if I get sweaty(which I do ). I wear last years hiking boots on my feet and always with socks. My pruners are clipped to my jeans in a holster, my pocket knife in my pocket and a pencil behind my ear. I try not to lose my gloves but it happens often. In fact I lost my right glove in the front yard and my left in the backyard on Sunnday! My mom came home from dinner and found them. I don't need sunglasses, my bifocals have transition lenses. I also use a kneeling pad for my bad knees. I tried the ones you wear but found the straps to be uncomfortable at the backs of my knees. When I worked landscaping for a living 20 years ago I had several sunscreen shirts. They were pricey but very nice. I have since not only aged but also expanded and they went to the goodwill years ago. My neighbors all think I'm a little off anyway when I'm talking to my flowers or out at the crack of dawn pollinating. So it dosen't really matter how I dress.LOL! Kim
...See More
Not what do you wear, instead: How do you wear jewelry?
Q
Comments (17)
As I matter of fact I do wear jewelry differently at my 2 homes! I can't stand cold metal touching me so I don't wear necklaces in the winter (from Nov to about March) at my regular home. And I wear one particular pair of earring almost all winter because they dangle but not long enough to touch my skin. Some of the longer ones end up touching my neck from my scarves & bulky coat so I avoid those. It's crazy but cold metal just sends a chill right through me and makes me feel colder. Since it's warmer in HHI, I do wear necklaces & earrings and even bracelets. I usually bring a few down with me so that I can have some variety. One necklace at a time, if it's bold than the earrings are smaller. One bracelet at a time and it depends on my sleeve length. In both places, I occasionally wear rings when I remember them. Your comments about gold & blue reminds me that I have an 18k gold ring with a lapis lazuli stone. I should dig that out and start wearing it again.
...See More
Varicose veins/Laser surgery
Q
Comments (2)
I haven't seen a Dr yet but it's on my list. I am planning to have it done by summer. It looks like I will have to go to a plastic surgen that does lazer treatment. I wanted to get other advise that has had it done or has checked in to it also but didn't recive much response. Debbie
...See More
lynn_d
13 years ago
Agree! As long as you are comfortable don't worry about anyone else.
OklaMoni
13 years ago
Yes, I wear shorts, and sun dresses, and NO hose!!! I detest wearing hose.

I have some, but not to bad, my scar looks a WHOLE lot worse.

If it bothers someone, then they shouldn't look! :)

Moni
susanjf_gw
13 years ago
when it's 90 degrees and the humidity is over 60% i'm sure gonna dress for comfort!
nicole__
13 years ago
Like you....athletic and no kids,one bad vein. I'm thinking of having it removed.....? Until then....shorts it is.... but I am self conscious about it. I don't want to gross anyone out...:0)
paula_pa
13 years ago
I have seen women in shorts who have much worse than one bad vein and it doesn't bother me. Why should it? Few of us are perfect.

But, I did give up shorts personally a few years ago. I have very muscular legs and big calves and then I got fat on top of that so I switched to capris. I've lost most of the weight but I'm still not wanting to wear shorts again. That's just what I personally prefer.
lydia1959
13 years ago
I have a incurable (noncontagious) skin disease that I can't cover up (on my hands, neck, eyelids, feet)... I use to try, but it is impossible now. I'd have to wear turtlenecks and gloves every day... and that ain't happening. lol People may think things, but rarely say anything. I wouldn't worry about any varicose veins.

I have a friend who has lost a chunk of her leg due to melanoma. She wears shorts. She may get some stares, but she is more comfortable in the hot humid weather than she would be in heavy jeans.

Don't worry about it. Life is too short.
terilyn
13 years ago
I agree, life is way too short to worry about what other people think you should wear. if you are comfortable and it doesn't bother you, wear what you want. If not, get it fixed.
Happyladi
13 years ago
If it bothers you, you could get it fixed.
marilyn_c
13 years ago
You know, if someone seeing your leg (or scar or whatever imperfection you think you have), and it bothers them...they need to get a life. I agree with the others...be comfortable.
If something like that bothers someone who sees it...they have a much bigger problem than you do.

When I was young and spiffy...I didn't like my legs and I never, ever wore shorts. I was so hung up about my looks that I wouldn't even go to the barn without my make up on.
Now I am old and cranky and gnarly, and I wear whatever makes me feel comfortable, shorts included.

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN Bathroom Workbook: 7 Natural Stones With Enduring Beauty

By Shana Ecker Home Stylist

Not everyone wants a marble bath. Bring organic warmth to counters, walls or floors with these hard-wearing alternatives

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Marble Countertops and Tile

By Bonnie McCarthy

Acidic solutions can damage your marble surfaces. Here’s how to keep marble looking clean and amazing

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Kitchen Counters: Granite, Still a Go-to Surface Choice

By Ivon Street Studio

Every slab of this natural stone is one of a kind — but there are things to watch for while you're admiring its unique beauty

KITCHEN DESIGN Dream Spaces: 12 Beautiful White Kitchens

By Lisa Higgins

Snowy cabinets and walls speak to a certain elegance, while marble counters whisper of luxury

KITCHEN DESIGN What Goes With Granite Counters?

By Laura Gaskill

Coordinate your kitchen finishes beautifully by choosing colors that complement granite’s natural tones

REMODELING GUIDES Check Out Our Sweepstakes Winners' 2-Room Makeover

By Vanessa Brunner

The laundry room's organization needed ironing out. The guest bath didn't make a splash. See the makeovers a Kentucky couple won

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Garden Lessons from a Grand Northwest Reserve

By Debra Prinzing

Borrow classic landscape ideas from this Washington state treasure, a series of gardens as thoughtfully planned as they are spacious

FLOORS 5 Benefits to Concrete Floors for Everyday Living

By Natalie Myers

Get low-maintenance home flooring that creates high impact and works with home styles from traditional to modern

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Stunning, Easy-Care Engineered Quartz

By Ivon Street Studio

There's a lot to like about this durable blend of quartz and resin for kitchen countertops, and the downsides are minimal

KITCHEN DESIGN Soapstone Counters: A Love Story

By Alison Hodgson

Love means accepting — maybe even celebrating — imperfections. See if soapstone’s assets and imperfections will work for you

Sponsored

Miller Woodworks

21 Reviews

Franklin County's Trusted Custom Cabinetry Solutions

More Discussions

Let's start a chain reaction game -- Part 4

184

Can we start a Chain Reaction Game - Part 4

215

Project Linus #16 complete

22

What are you reading? May 2024 Edition

10

Smile today - 5/2/24

11