What is the mark on the back of my leg?

[Roberta2375]

My RMT pointed out a very unusual vein on my calf yesterday that I hadn’t noticed before. It’s not painful at all but scary looking. It’s about 8” long, varies in width from half an inch to 3/4 of an inch. The centre part of it is a deep red, and it’s is outlined in a dark purple-ish shade. It runs vertically up my calf, and then branches into a 2nd line. As far as I know, it doesn’t appear to be a varicose vein because there is no swelling or pain at all.
Thank you for your advice.

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to the forum!  We're glad you are here and appreciate your question. So, while it may not be a varicose vein, it can still be what they call a 'bulging vein'. " Bulging veins are prominent, enlarged veins that often appear blue or purple. They’re easy to see because they’re superficial veins close to the surface of your skin and typically occur on show up in your legs, feet, ankles and hands. While bulging veins are usually harmless, they can be a sign of a more serious problem like a blood clot."  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22877-bulging-veins

It may actually still be varicose veins which is common in 1 in 3 adults. For most people, a bulging vein is truly harmless. Unsightly, perhaps. But won't hurt you. But for a rare few, blood clots would be the concern.

The article gives situations in which these are more common. Being overweight, smoking, recent pregnancy or hormonal changes, intense exercise, dieting or simply getting older are all listed as triggering to this occurring.

Noninvasive things to try include compression socks and elevation. After that, a dermatologist would have next level care to eliminate the vein.  

You do want to, however, talk to your doctor regardless so they can follow this issue to make sure that a blood clot nor or in the future isn't a concern.