While some might see leg hair loss as a good thing, sudden patchiness could be a sign of an underlying condition like varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency. It’s time to look the gift horse in the mouth and see what could be behind it and what you can do about it.
How are varicose veins connected to losing leg hair?
Varicose veins most commonly appear in the legs. When the valves in your leg veins fail, blood slips backwards instead of flowing to the heart, slowing circulation through that area. Over time, oxygen and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles slows, and the veins are slower to move waste products out. As a result, the hair grows weak and becomes prone to falling out.
Unfortunately, hair loss isn’t the only thing varicose veins can cause. You may also get dry and itchy skin around the area (known as varicose eczema), burning sensations, aches, and, in severe cases, ulcers.
If I treat my varicose veins, will my leg hair grow back?
Yes, the hair may grow back. When we treat varicose veins, we seal them through laser ablation or an injectable substance like sclerosant or medical glue. Once the vein is sealed, your body will start to absorb it and reroute blood flow to nearby healthy veins. It may also grow a new, healthy vein to replace the old one.
Once circulation returns to normal and working follicles start getting a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients again, they can start growing new hairs. However, in some cases, some follicles may become damaged and scar over. Unfortunately, once a follicle dies, it can’t grow hair again.
Early intervention for varicose veins is essential. While they aren’t considered dangerous, they can start damaging surrounding tissues. If left too long, some of that damage may be very difficult (and sometimes impossible) to heal.
What else could be behind hair loss in the legs?
Vein or artery disorders
You may not have varicose veins, but you may have a related circulatory disorder leading to leg hair loss. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is when the valves malfunction in the veins and may be present even if you don’t see any bulging veins.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries. Over time, these deposits may grow to restrict or even completely block blood flow through an artery, preventing hair follicles from getting what they need.
Alopecia
Alopecia is a term for many hair loss conditions. Stress, hormone imbalance, and immune system malfunction (where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles) can cause hair loss. In most cases, alopecia affects the scalp but may spread to the legs and other body parts.
You may experience hair loss in distinctive circular patches, an overall thinning, or total hair loss depending on the cause.
Hypothyroidism
Hair growth is largely dictated by hormones. When the thyroid – responsible for producing said hormones – becomes underactive, hairs start having a shorter growth phase and a longer resting phase, leading to thinning.
Diabetes
Diabetes is closely linked with cardiovascular issues. This disorder causes elevated blood sugar levels, which can damage veins and arteries. In response, arteries form plaque, resulting in PAD. Strained veins, meanwhile, may turn varicose as circulation slows and vein walls and valves become damaged.
And with impacted circulation, you may start experiencing hair loss – especially around peripheries like legs and arms.
Seek specialist advice
If you notice leg hair loss accompanied by bulging veins and/or symptoms of heaviness, fatigue, aches, itching, or swelling in the legs, it’s a good idea to see a varicose veins specialist. With an ultrasound scan and a review of your medical history, we’ll be able to determine the best treatment plan or conservative management plan for you.