Blue veins on the boobs are one of the changes in women. This physical condition can change depending on various factors. Don’t worry. The appearance of blue veins in the breast is not always a sign of danger.
Veins or blood vessels flow throughout the body, including the breast area. But generally, the veins are not visible because they are hidden under the skin.
When veins appear on the skin’s surface, it could be a normal thing, but it is also possible that it is a symptom of a health problem that needs to be watched out for.
Why can blue veins on the boobs?
Several conditions can cause blue veins to appear in boobs, including:
1. Pregnancy
Several changes in the boobs will be experienced by pregnant women, one of which is the boobs that may become veiny, especially in the early trimester. The blood volume may increase by 20 to 40 per cent and cause the veins to become more visible under the skin.
Usually, the veins that appear in the boobs of pregnant women will disappear after giving birth. But it is possible that the appearance of veins in the breast will persist, especially if you breastfeed afterwards.
2. Breastfeeding
On the breast of a nursing mother, the appearance of blue veins will usually occur when the breast is full of milk. It is normal, but you should still pay attention to the formation of the veins visible in the breast at this time.
If the veins look like spider veins and are accompanied by redness of the breasts, fever, and feeling unwell, it could be mastitis. This infection of the breast tissue requires a medical examination but is usually easily treated with antibiotics.
3. Spider veins
Generally, varicose veins occur in the hands or feet, but in rare cases, varicose veins can also occur in the breast area. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins are weak, causing blood to pool.
This condition can cause blood vessels to become damaged and look deformed and swollen. Severe varicose veins may be painful, similar to bruising. A person may notice a milder form of varicose veins called spider veins in many cases.
4. Mondor disease
The appearance of blue veins in the breast can also be a symptom of a rare, non-cancerous condition called Mondor’s disease or superficial thrombophlebitis. This condition is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels in the breast or chest wall, making the blood vessels visible under the skin.
5. Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH)
PASH is another benign condition that can cause blue veins to appear in the breast. This condition may be accompanied by a palpable lump and other symptoms resembling breast cancer. Distinguishing PASH from cancer will require a surgical biopsy and examination of cells in the laboratory.
6. Breast enlargement
Breast augmentation due to weight gain or breast augmentation surgery can make the veins more visible. The appearance of blue veins in the breasts due to this condition is not dangerous, and many people do not notice when the veins become more visible, and most are not bothered.
7. Breast cancer
This type of inflammatory breast cancer usually has visible symptoms on the skin’s surface, including the appearance of blue veins in the breast. In addition, other symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include:
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Skin changes that look like an orange peel (dimples or rough)
- Inflammation of skin that feels hot to the touch
What to do if blue veins appear on the boobs?
The appearance of blue veins in boobs is often caused by pregnancy or breastfeeding. There is nothing you need to do at this point other than wait for the condition to go away on its own. However, you can use a larger or looser bra than usual to reduce the discomfort.
In most cases, the appearance of blue veins in boobs does not require treatment. However, if it’s bothersome, several procedures can help reduce the appearance of veins in boobs, including:
- Laser treatment can help shrink or destroy certain blood vessels
- Sclerotherapy is the injection of chemicals to shrink the veins
- Radiofrequency ablation, which can usually treat small, localised breast cancer
- Cosmetic therapy to improve the appearance and relieve pain due to varicose veins.
The appearance of blue veins in the breast due to Mondor’s disease usually resolves without treatment. But to help reduce the symptoms, you can take anti-inflammatory drugs or warm compresses.
